Chapter-Iv: 4.0 Main Findings and Discussion of The Results

CHAPTER-IV
MAIN FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION OF THE RESULTS,

IMPLICATIONS, LIMITATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR
FURTHER STUDY
This chapter is devoted to main findings and discussion of the results, suggestions,
implications, and suggestions for further study. After the interpretation of the data, the
investigator was in a position to draw certain findings on the basis of analysis and
interpretation of the data.
4.0 Main Findings and Discussion of the Results:
According to the objective and hypotheses stated earlier in the present study, the
main findings have been discussed according to the objectives of the study. Discussions of
the results have been presented in terms of the hypotheses of the study. On the basis of the
main findings, the hypotheses were either retained or partially accepted or rejected.
4.1 Main Findings Objective No.1:
The item wise analysis of objective- I comprising of 19 items for practices of solid
waste management at the household and community level reveals the following trends with
respect to the differences of respondents viz. North East (NE) vs South West (SW), North
East (NE) vs South East (SE), North East (NE) vs North West (NW), South West (SW) vs
South East (SE), South West (SW) vs North West (NW), and South East (SE) vs North
West (NW) region of Shillong.

Item: 1 Household Solid Waste Stored in Container/Dustbin:
Analysis of item-1 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
mean item scores of NE vs SE, SW vs SE and SW vs NW on "household waste being
stored in a container or dustbin" whereas no significant differences existed between the
mean item scores ofNE vs SW, NE vs NW and SE vs NW region ofShillong on this item.
It revealed that household waste although are stored in a container or dustbin, significant
differences in the practices were found in NE vs SE, SW vs SE and SW vs NW region of
Shillong. The mean scores indicated that maximum number of respondents use the
container or dustbin from SE region of Shillong followed by NW region, NE region and
SW region of Shillong. Since the mean item score ranged from 4.37 to 4. 72, it indicated
that maximum number of respondents use the container or dustbin for the purpose of solid
waste accumulation at the household level. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there
exist no significant differences in the practices of solid waste management in the different
regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed in case ofNE vs SW, NE vs SE and SW
vs NW whereas it was not confirmed in case of NE vs SE, SW vs SE and vs NW and SE
vs NW region of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis- I with respect
to item-1 ofthe Solid Waste Management system.
Item 2: Household Solid Waste stored in Plastic Bag:
mean item scores of NE vs SW on "solid waste generated at the household level is stored
in a plastic bag" whereas there existed no significant difference on this item between NE
vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE, SW vs NW and SE vs NW region of Shillong. It revealed

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that household waste is also stored in a plastic bag. However, significant differences in the
practice of using plastic bags were found only in NE vs SW region of Shillong. The mean
scores indicated that a sizeable number of respondents use the Plastic bags along with
container or dustbin from SW region of Shillong followed by NW region, SE region and
NE region of Shillong. Since the mean item score ranged from 2.54 to 3.06, it indicated
that quite a sizeable number of respondents use the plastic bags for the purpose of solid
waste accumulation at the household level. As observed from the field, it was seen that
usually the plastic bag is placed within the storage container, so that the solid waste
generated does not come in direct contact with the dustbin or the container. It also
facilitates for easy disposal of the waste. In some of the households the only storage place
was a polythene or plastic bag and the bag was thrown along with the household waste.
Hence the hypothesis-} which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
practices of solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong Municipality" was
confirmed in case ofNE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE, SW vs NW and SE vs NW region
of Shillong whereas it was not confirmed in case of NE vs SW region of Shillong
indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis- I with respect to item-2 of the Solid
Waste Management system.
Item 3: Disposal of Solid Waste in Drains:
mean item scores ofNE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE and SW vs NW on the item "solid
waste generated is disposed off directly in the nearby drain" whereas there existed no
significant difference on this item between NE vs SW and SE vs NW region of Shillong.

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The mean scores indicated that maximum number of respondents from NW region
disposed off solid waste generated at the household in the nearby drain followed by SE
region, NE region and SW region ofShillong. Since the mean item score ranged from 3.01
to 3.83, it indicated that quite a sizeable number of respondents use the most convenient
mode of disposing the solid waste generated at the household in the nearby drain. As
observed from the field, it was seen that usually the thrown solid waste with or without
plastics, blocks the sewerage or the drain causing environmental pollution. The dirty water
along with the waste, are often seen flowing with water or accumulated in the roads
causing lot of inconvenience to the traffic and the passers by. This often happened when
there was incessant rain in Shillong. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there exist
no significant differences in the practices of solid waste management in the different
regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed in case of NE vs SW and SE vs NW
region of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis- I with respect to
item-3 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 4: Disposal of Solid Waste in Streams:
mean item scores of NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE and SW vs NW with respect to the
"solid waste generated being disposed off directly in the nearby stream" whereas there
existed no significant difference on this item between NE vs SW and SE vs NW region of
Shillong. The mean scores indicated that maximum number of respondents from SE region
dispose off solid waste generated at the household in the nearby stream followed by NW
region, NE region and SW region ofShillong. Since the mean item score ranged from 3.53
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to 4. 51, it indicated that quite a sizeable number of respondents use streams as the most
convenient mode of disposing the solid waste generated at the household. The solid waste
disposed of in the streams has serious environmental repercussions. It creates not only
pollution of water but acts as a serious threat to the aquatic animals. It also flows directly
into the river thus increasing the rate of contamination and also affecting the aquatic flora
and fauna of the rivers. It makes the water acidic and unfit for drinking. Hence the
hypothesis- I which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the practices of
solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed
in case of NE vs SW and SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of
the hypothesis- I with respect to item-4 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 5: Collection of Solid Waste directly m Community Bin/Outside Collection

Point:
Analysis of item-S revealed that there exist significant differences between the
mean item scores of NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE, SW vs NW and SE vs NW on
"collection of solid waste directly in Community bin/Outside Collection Point" whereas
there existed no significant difference on this item between NE vs SW region of Shillong.
The mean scores indicated that maximum number of respondents from SE region use the
community bin or the outside collection point for disposal of solid waste generated at the
household followed by SW region, NE region and NW region of Shillong. Since the mean
item score ranged from 2. 79 to 3.99, it indicated that quite a sizeable number of
respondents do not use the community bins or the outside collection point for disposal of
the household waste. This was evident from the analysis of the previous items which
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confirms the habit of the people of throwing the household waste in the nearby drain or in
the stream. Further as observed from the field, the people may not find the collection point
conveniently situated or the distance of the community bin may be more from the house.
Hence the hypothesis-! which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
confirmed only in case ofNE vs SW region of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of
the hypothesis- I with respect to item-S of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 6: Waste Generated is Stored in the House Overnight:
mean item scores ofNE vs SW, NE vs SE, SW vs SE and SW vs NW on "waste generated
in the household is stored overnight" whereas there existed no significant difference on this
item between NE vs NW, and SE vs NW region of Shillong. The mean scores indicated
that maximum number of respondents from SE region store the waste generated in the
house overnight followed by NW region, NE region and SW region of Shillong. Since the
mean item score ranged from 3. 73 to 4. 52, it indicated that quite a sizeable number of
respondents store the waste generated in the house overnight. As observed from the field,
usually the waste generated at the household was accumulated in the dustbin or in a
container for the whole night to be thrown away with the convenient mode only in the next
day. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
confirmed only in case of NE vs NW, and SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the
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partial acceptance of the hypothesis-1 with respect to item-6 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
Item 7: Waste is Dumped on the Road or Vacant Land:
mean item scores ofNE vs SW, NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE and SW vs NW regions
of Shillong on "waste is dumped on the road or vacant land" whereas there existed no
significant difference on this item between SE vs NW region of Shillong. The mean scores
indicated that maximum number of respondents from SE region dumped waste on the road
or vacant land followed by NW region, NE region and SW region of Shillong. Since the
mean item score ranged from 3.62 to 4.47, it indicated that quite a sizeable number of
respondents dumped the waste on the road or vacant land. Again, as usual the waste
generated at the household was accumulated in the dustbin or in a container for whole
night to be thrown away with the convenient mode only in the next day. Hence the
only in case of SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the
hypothesis- I with respect to item-7 ofthe Solid Waste Management system.
Item 8: The Service of a Hired Labour is Used for Collection of Waste:
mean item scores of NE vs SW, SW vs SE, and SW vs NW on "the services of a hired
labour being used for collection of waste" whereas there existed no significant difference
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on this item existed between NE vs SE, NE vs NW and SE vs NW region of Shillong. The
mean scores indicated that maximum number of respondents from SW region utilized the
services of hired labour for disposal of household waste followed by SE region, NW region
and NE region of Shillong. Since the mean item score ranged from 2.03 to 2. 73, it
indicated that few respondents utilized the service of hired labour for the disposal of
household wastes. The data further revealed that people of Shillong have started using
hired labourers or engaged sweepers for collection of household waste from individual
houses. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there exist no significant differences in
the practices of solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong Municipality"
was confirmed only in case of NE vs SE and NE vs NW, and SE vs NW indicating the
partial acceptance of the hypothesis-! with respect to item-8 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
Item 9: Usage of Household Waste as Compost or Manure:
mean item scores of SW vs SE and SE vs NW on "usage of household waste as compost
or manure" whereas there existed no significant difference on this item between NE vs
SW, NE vs SE, NE vs NW and SW vs NW. The mean scores indicated that quite a number
of respondents from NW region make use of the household waste as compost or manure
followed by SW region, NE region and SE region of Shillong. Since the mean item score
ranged from 2.41 to 2.94, it indicated that only a small number of respondents utilized the
solid waste generated from the household as compost or manure. This is because of their
love for kitchen garden and floriculture. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there
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regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed only in case ofNE vs SW, NE vs SE, NE
vs NW and SW vs NW indicating the partial acceptance ofthe hypothesis-} with respect to
item-9 ofthe Solid Waste Management system.
Item 10: Burning and Disposing of Plastic Materials and Polythene Bags along with
Household Waste:
Analysis of item-1 0 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
mean item scores ofNE vs NW, SW vs SE and SW vs NW region of Shillong with respect
to "burning of disposable plastic materials and polythene bags along with household
waste" whereas there existed no significant difference on this item between NE vs SW, NE
vs SE and SE vs NW region of Shillong. The mean scores indicated that a sizeable number
of respondents from NW region bum and dispose plastic materials and polythene bags
along with household waste followed by SE region, NE region and SW region of Shillong.
Since the mean item score ranged from 1.36 to 3.85, it indicated that a sizeable number of
households bum and dispose plastic materials and polythene bags along with household
waste. The data further revealed that people of Shillong perhaps adopted this practice
because of their lack of knowledge or awareness about the disastrous effects of burning
plastics. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there exist no significant differences in
the practices of solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong Municipality"
was confirmed only in case of NE vs SW, NE vs SE and SE vs NW region of Shillong
indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis- I with respect to item- I 0 of the solid
waste management system
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Item 11: Burning and Disposing of Paper Materials and Newspapers along with
Household Waste:
mean item scores of SW vs SE region of Shillong on "burning and disposing of paper and
newspapers along with household waste" whereas there existed no significant difference
on this item between NE vs SW, NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs NW, and SE vs NW. The
mean scores indicated that a sizeable number of respondents from NE region bum and
dispose paper and newspaper materials along with household waste followed by SE region,
NW region and SW region of Shillong. Since the mean item score ranged from 3.12 to
3.38, it indicated that a sizeable number of households bum and dispose paper and
newspaper materials along with household waste. The data further revealed that people of
Shillong perhaps adopt this practice because of their lack of knowledge or awareness about
the usefulness of recycling used papers. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there
regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed only in case ofNE vs SW, NE vs SE, NE
vs NW, SW vs NW, and SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of
the hypothesis- I with respect to item-11 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 12: Biodegradable and Non biodegradable Wastes are collected Separately:
mean item scores ofNE vs SW and SW vs NW region of Shillong on "biodegradable and
Non biodegradable wastes are collected separately" whereas there existed no significant
difference on this item between NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs NW, and SE vs NW. The
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mean scores indicated that a small number of respondents from SW region separate the
biodegradable and non biodegradable wastes before disposing off the waste from the
household followed by SE region, NW region and NE region of Shillong. Since the mean
item score ranged from 2.60 to 3.02, it indicated that biodegradable and non-
biodegradable waste separation is yet to develop in the cultural habits of the people. People
usually do not practice this method because of lack of knowledge, awareness and also
because of its inconvenience. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there exist no
significant differences in the practices of solid waste management in the different regions
of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed only in case of NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs
NW, and SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-
! with respect to item-12 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 13: Hazardous Waste is kept in Separate Storage Containers at Home:
mean item scores of NE vs SW, SW vs SE and SW vs NW region of Shillong on
"hazardous waste are kept in separate storage containers at home" whereas there existed no
significant difference on this item between NE vs SE, NE vs NW and SE vs NW. The
mean scores indicated that a few number of respondents from SW region separate
hazardous waste and store it in separate storage containers at home before disposing off the
waste from the household followed by NW region, NE region and SE region of Shillong.
Since the mean item score ranged from 3.22 to 2.34, it indicated that hazardous waste are
kept in separate storage containers at home as separation method is yet to develop in the
habits of the respondents. People usually do not practice this method because of lack of
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knowledge, awareness and also because of its inconvenience of having separate dustbin or
container for biodegradable, non biodegradable and hazardous wastes. Hence the
hypothesis-! which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the practices of
only in case of NE vs SE, NE vs NW and SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the
Management system.
Item 14: Grass Clippings, Fallen Leaves, Plants, Flowers etc are left for Decay in the
Backyard:
mean item scores ofNE vs SW, NE vs NW, SW vs SE and SW vs NW region ofShillong
on "grass clippings, fallen leaves, plants, flowers etc are left for decay in the backyard"
whereas there existed no significant difference on this item between NE vs SE and SE vs
NW region of Shillong. The mean scores indicated that quite a substantial number of
respondents from NW region use the grass clippings, fallen leaves, plants, flowers etc for
decay in their backyard of their houses. This number is followed by SE region, NE region
and SW region of Shillong. Since the mean item score ranged from 2.72 to 3.68, it
indicated that grass clippings, fallen leaves, plants, flowers etc are left to decay in the
backyard of the respondents was slowly picking up. This may be attributed to the fact that
the decayed leaves, grass clippings, plants and flowers are used for manuring the kitchen
garden and for floriculture in the individual houses. This also reduces the burden of
throwing the waste either in the community bin or at any other place. Hence the
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only in case of NE vs SE and SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the partial
acceptance of the hypothesis- I with respect to item-14 of the solid waste management
system.
Item 15: Door to Door Collection of Waste is Practiced in the Neighbourhood:
mean item scores ofNE vs SW region and NE vs SE region of Shillong on "door to door
collection of waste is practiced in the neighbourhood" whereas there existed no significant
difference on this item between NE vs NW, SW vs SE, SW vs NW and SE vs NW region
of Shillong. The mean scores indicated that quite a substantial number of respondents from
NE and NW region are of the opinion that door to door collection of waste is practiced in
the neighbourhood adequately whereas the respondents of SW region and SE region do
not feel about the adequacy of door to door collection of solid waste in the neighbourhood
.Since the mean item score ranged from 2.70 to 3.37, it indicated that door to door
Collection of waste although practiced in some of the neighborhoods, the respondents were
not satisfied with the service delivery system. Hence the hypothesis-! which stated that
"there exist no significant differences in the practices of solid waste management in the
different regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed only in case ofNE vs NW, SW
vs SE, SW vs NW and SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of
the hypothesis- I with respect to item-IS of the Solid Waste Management system.
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Item 16: Throwing of Old Clothes with the Garbage:
mean item scores of NE vs SW, SW vs SE and SW vs NW region of Shillong on
"throwing of old clothes in the garbage" whereas there existed no significant difference on
this item between NE vs SE, NE vs NW and SE vs NW region of Shillong. The mean
scores indicated that quite a substantial number of respondents from SE region throw old
clothes with the garbage and this is followed by NE, NW and SW region of Shillong. Since
the mean item score ranged from 3.19 to 3. 74, it indicated that throwing of old clothes
along with the waste is a usual common practice among the citizens of Shillong. Hence the
hypothesis-! which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the practices of
solid waste management in. the different regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed
only in case of NE vs SE, NE vs NW and SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the
Management system.
Item 17: Non-biodegradable Waste are Handed Over/Disposed through Rag Pickers:
Analysis of item-17 revealed that there exist no significant differences between the
mean item scores ofNE vs SW, NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE, SW vs NW and SE vs
NW region of Shillong on "non-biodegradable waste are handed over I disposed through
rag pickers". The mean scores indicated that quite a few number of respondents from all
these four regions hand over the non-biodegradable waste to the rag pickers. Since the
mean item score ranged from 2.66 to 3.01, it indicated that a marginal number of the
respondents hand over the non-biodegradable waste to the rag pickers. It also indicated that
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it was not the usual practice to hand over the non biodegradable wastes to the rag pickers
as the rag pickers are discouraged to enter into the house premises. The rag pickers picked
up the non- biodegradable wastes from the community bin or from the outside collection
point. Also they picked up the non-biodegradable waste from roads or from the drains.
Hence the hypothesis-} which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
confirmed in case ofNE vs SW, NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE, SW vs NW and SE vs
NW region of Shillong indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis- I with respect to item-
17 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 18: Effort to Reduce Waste Generation at the Household Level:
Analysis of item-18 revealed that there exist no significant differences between the
mean item scores ofNE vs SW, NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vsSE, SW vs NW and SE vs
NW region of Shillong with respect to "making an effort to reduce waste generation at the
household level". The mean scores indicated that quite a sizeable number of respondents
from these entire four regions make an effort to reduce waste generation at the household
level. Since the mean item score ranged from 3.53 to 3.84, it indicated that most of the
respondents try to reduce waste generation at the household level. It also indicated the
civic consciousness of the people of Shillong at the household level. Further the data
revealed that the people of Shillong are more conscious about the cleanliness and hygiene
in the house. Hence the hypothesis-1 which stated that "there exist no significant
differences in the practices of solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong
Municipality" was confirmed in case ofNE vs SW, NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE, SW

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vs NW and SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis- I
with respect to item-18 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 19: Carrying of Own Shopping Bag to the Market Place:
mean item scores ofNE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE and SW vs NW on "carrying of own
shopping bag to the market place" whereas there existed no significant difference on this
item between NE vs SW and SE vs NW region of Shillong. The mean scores indicated that
maximum number of respondents from NW region carry their own shopping bags to the
market place followed by respondents from SE region, SW region and NE region of
Shillong. This indicated that the people of Shillong are aware of the importance of carrying
their own shopping bags to the market place. This also lessens their dependence on plastic
materials and polythene bags. However, it was observed that sometimes people do venture
into the markets without any shopping bags. This is done especially when there is urgency
or when less quantity of the items are required to be purchased. Again the shopkeepers are
not averse to give polythene bags to their customers as and when required. Since the mean
item score ranged from 3.99 to 4.40, it is obvious that people do carry their own jute bag or
paper bag to the market. Hence the hypothesis-! which stated that "there exist no
significant differences in the practices of solid waste management in the different regions
of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed only in case ofNE vs SW and SE vs NW region
of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis- I with respect to item-19 of
the Solid Waste Management system.
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The item wise analysis of objective-2 comprising of 16 items that was "to study the
perception of people with regard to the management of household solid wastes in terms of
generation, collection, segregation and disposal" revealed the following trends with respect
to the difference in perception of the respondents viz. Lower Income Group (LIG), Middle
Income Group (MIG) and Higher Income Group (HIG) of Shillong. The items have been
studied with reference to the income groups of the respondents. For the purpose of the
study, all respondents from the four regions were divided into three categories viz. Lower
income Group (LIG), Middle Income Group (MIG) and Higher Income Group (HIG)
Item 20: Solid waste disposal is a problem in your household:
Analysis of item-20 revealed that there exist no significant differences in
perception of the respondents on "solid waste disposal is a problem in the individual
household " between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG as evident from analysis
of the mean item scores of LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG. It revealed that
there was no difference in the perception level of the respondents from all the three income
groups about the disposal of solid waste as problematic to them. The mean item scores
indicated that higher income respondents feel solid waste disposal to be more problematic
than middle and lower income group. This was evident from the status of the HIG
respondents as compared to that of the middle income group and lower income group.
Since the mean item score ranged from 2.16 to 2.50, it indicated the minimum problem the
respondents face for solid waste disposal. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there
exist no significant differences in the perception of people with respect to the management
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of household solid waste in terms of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was
confirmed in case LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG indicating the acceptance of
..
the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-20 of the Solid Waste Management System.
Item 21: Distance ofthe Dumping Site for Disposal of Household Waste:
Analysis of item-21 revealed that there exist no significant differences In
perception of the respondents on "distance of the dumping site for disposal of household
waste" between MIG vs HIG, as evident from analysis of the mean item scores of MIG vs
HIG, and LIG vs HIG. It revealed that there was no significant difference in the perception
level of the respondents from the above mentioned income groups about the distance of the
dumping site for disposal of household wastes for the disposal of solid waste as
problematic to them. Further the data revealed that there existed significant differences of
perception between LIG vs MIG and LIG vs HIG on this item. This indicated that these
two groups were of different opinion about the distance of the dumping site for the
generated solid waste. The mean item scores indicated that HIG respondents feel the
distance of the dumping site of the household waste is more difficult to reach rather than
the MIG and LIG group. Since the mean item score ranged from 2.21 to 2.95, it indicated
that the respondents face a minimal problem for Solid waste disposal at the appropriate
dumping site in the community. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no
significant differences in the perception of people with respect to the management of
household solid waste in terms of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was
confirmed in case of MIG vs HIG, indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-2
with respect to item-21 of the Solid Waste Management System.

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Item 22: Segregation of Solid Waste at the Household Level:
Analysis of item-22 revealed that there exist no significant differences in the
perception of the respondents on "solid waste should be segregated at the household level"
between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG as evident from analysis of the mean
item scores of LIG vs MIG, and LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG .. It revealed that there was
no significant difference in the perception level of the respondents from the three
mentioned income groups about the segregation of solid waste at the household level.
Since the mean item score ranged from 3.60 to 3.70, it indicated that people do try to
segregate the wastes before its disposal. The mean item scores indicated that people
segregate the wastes which are of market value and which are taken by the kabaariwalas.
The wastes which are segregated are usually the waste papers and bottles as they have
market value. However the wastes which are of no market value are not segregated before
disposing off at the dumping site or the community bin. Hence the hypothesis~2 which
stated that "there exist no significant differences in the perception of people with respect to
the management of household solid waste in terms of generation, collection, segregation
and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG
indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-22 of the Solid Waste
Management System.
Item 23: Banning of Plastic Bags at Source of Production:
perception of the respondents on "banning of plastic bags at source of production is
practicable" between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG as evident from analysis
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of the mean item scores ofLIG vs MIG, and LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG. It revealed that
there was no significant difference in the perception level of the respondents from the three
mentioned income groups about the banning of plastic bags at source of production. Since
the mean item score ranged from 3.45 to 3.80, it indicated that people are in favour of
banning of plastic bags at source of production rather than enforcing the law on the people
not to use the plastic bags. In fact plastic bags when available in the market, people find it
more convenient to use them. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no
confirmed in case LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG indicating the acceptance of
the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-23 ofthe Solid Waste Management System.
Item 24: Reduction in Generation of Waste at the Household Level:
perception of the respondents on "generation of waste can be reduced at the household
level" between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG as evident from analysis of the
mean item scores ofLIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG. It revealed that there was
no significant difference in the perception level of the respondents from the three
mentioned income groups about the reduction in generation of waste at the household
level. Since the mean item score ranged from 3.91 to 3.95, it indicated that people are in a
positive state of mind to reduce the generation of waste at the household level. In fact this
is not a real preposition, but once effort is made to segregate the waste into bio-gradable,
non biodegradable and toxic wastes at the household level, ultimately the waste generation
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would be reduced. Reuse of good quality plastics and papers can also reduce the amount of
waste. Waste reduction at source also means the use of biodegradable waste as manure for
useful purposes. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no significant
differences in the perception of people with respect to the management of household solid
waste in terms of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case
ofLIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis
-2 with respect to item-24 of the Solid Waste Management System.
Item 25:Waste Generation can be Reduced Significantly by Educational Intervention:
perception of the respondents on "waste generation can be reduced significantly by
educational intervention" between LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG, as evident from analysis
of the mean item scores of LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG. It revealed that there was no
significant difference in the perception level of the respondents from the two above
mentioned income groups about the Waste generation can be reduced significantly by
educational intervention Further the data revealed that there existed significant differences
of perception between LIG vs MIG on this item. This indicated that LIG and MIG groups
were having different perception on whether waste generation can be reduced significantly
by educational intervention than the LIG Group. Since the mean item score ranged from
3.81 to 4.19, it indicated that the people are in favour of educational intervention for
reduction of solid waste. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no
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confirmed in case ofLIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG indicating the partial acceptance ofthe
hypothesis-2 with respect to item-25 of the Solid Waste Management System.
Item 26: Proper Handling and Collection of Waste require Cooperation from Public:
perception of the respondents on "proper handling and collection of waste require
extensive cooperation from the public" between the mean scores of LIG vs HIG and MIG
vs HIG as evident from analysis of the mean item scores. Again the mean scores revealed
that there existed significant differences in the perception of the respondents on "proper
handling and collection of waste require extensive cooperation from the public" between
the mean scores of LIG vs MIG. The mean item score varied from 4.163 to 4.390 from
LIG to MIG. It indicated that MIG respondents feel that proper handling and collection of
waste require extensive cooperation from the public than HIG and LIG respondents.
Hence, the hypothesis which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
perception of people on solid waste management amongst different income groups" was
confirmed in case of LIG vs HIG and MIG vs IDG respondents of Shillong indicating
partial acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-26 of the Solid Waste
Management System.
Item 27: Awareness of the Usefulness of Recycling ofWaste Products:
perception of the respondents on "people are aware ofthe usefulness of recycling ofwaste
products" between LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG, as evident from analysis of the mean
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item scores of LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG. It revealed that there was no significant
difference in the perception level of the respondents from the two above mentioned income
groups about the awareness of the usefulness of recycling of waste products. Further the
data revealed that there existed significant differences of perception between LIG vs MIG
on this item. This indicated that LIG vs MIG groups were having difference in perception
about awareness ofthe usefulness of recycling of waste products than the IDG Group. The
mean item score ranged from 3.11 to 3.53, and it is just above the average mean. It
indicated that the people are not much aware of the usefulness of recycling of waste
products. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no significant differences
in the perception of people with respect to the management of household solid waste in
terms of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs
IDG and MIG vs HIG indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to
Item 28: Values and Attitudes of People with regard to Solid Waste Management:
Analysis of item-28 revealed that there exist no significant differences m
perception of the respondents on "values and attitudes of people have not changed with
regard to solid waste management over the years" between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs IDG and
MIG vs HIG, as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores ofLIG vs MIG, LIG vs
HIG and MIG vs IDG. It revealed that there was no significant difference in the perception
level of the respondents from all the three mentioned income groups about the values and
attitudes of people have not changed with regard to SWM. The mean item score ranged
from 2.41 to 2.80 which are below the average mean. It indicated that the values and
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attitudes of people have not changed with regard to solid waste management over the
years. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in
the perception of people with respect to the management of household solid waste in terms
of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs MIG,
LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to
Item 29: Solid Waste Generation and Handling in the Slum Areas is Alarming:
perception of the respondents on "solid waste generation and handling in the slum areas is
alarming" between LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG, as evident from the analysis of the mean
item scores of LIG vs RIG and MIG vs HIG. It revealed that there was no significant
difference in the perception level of the respondents from the two mentioned income
groups about the solid waste generation and handling in the slum areas is alarming. Also
the data revealed that there existed significant differences in the mean item scores between
LIG vs MIG. The mean item score ranged from 3.91 to 4.20 which are much above the
average mean. It indicated that the solid waste generation and handling in the slum areas
has reached an alarming proportion. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist
no significant differences in the perception of people with respect to the management of
confirmed in case ofLIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG indicating the partial acceptance ofthe
hypothesis-2 with respect to item-29 ofthe Solid Waste Management system.
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Item 30: One should Pay for the Disposal of Garbage:
perception of the respondents on "One should pay for the disposal of garbage" between
LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs RIG, as evident from the analysis of the mean item
scores of LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG. It revealed that there was no
significant difference in the perception level of the respondents from all the three
mentioned income groups about the willingness for payment for the disposal of garbage.
Again, the mean item score ranged from 3.00 to 3.32 which are just above the mean. It
indicated that the willingness to pay for the disposal of garbage was more profound in case
of MIG rather than the LIG and RIG respondents. Among all the groups the RIG
respondents was more reluctant to pay for the disposal of the garbage. Hence the
hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the perception of
people with respect to the management of household solid waste in terms of generation,
collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs MIG, LIG vs RIG
and MIG vs RIG indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-30 of
the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 31: Waste Products from the Household should be collected for Recycling after
Segregation:
perception of the respondents on "waste products from the household should be collected
for recycling after segregation" between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG, as
evident from the analysis of the mean item scores ofLIG vs MIG, LIG vs RIG and MIG vs
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HIG. It revealed that there was no significant difference in the perception level of the
respondents from all the three mentioned income groups about the waste products from the
household should be collected for recycling after segregation. Again, the mean item score
ranged from 3.55 to 3.63. It indicated that MIG group were in favour of "waste products
from the household should be collected for recycling after segregation" than LIG and IDG
group. Further the awareness level of the MIG was higher than that ofLIG and MIG about
the recycling of wastes after segregation. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there
exist no significant differences in the perception of people with respect to the management
of household solid waste in terms of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was
confirmed in case of LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG indicating the acceptance
of the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-31 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 32: The Locality has a Proper System of Garbage Disposal:
Analysis of item-32 revealed that there exist significant differences in perception of
the respondents on "the locality has a proper system of garbage disposal" between MIG vs
HIG, as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores of MIG vs HIG. It revealed that
there was significant difference in the perception level of the respondents from the two
mentioned income groups about the locality has a proper system of garbage disposal. Also
the data revealed that there existed no significant differences in the mean item scores
between LIG vs MIG and LIG vs HIG. The mean item score ranged from 2.87 to 3.30. It
indicated that the locality has yet to develop a proper system of garbage disposal. Hence
the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the perception
of people with respect to the management of household solid waste in terms of generation,
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collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs MIG and LIG vs
HIG indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-32 of the
Solid Waste Management system.
Item 33: Consumer Lifestyle is Responsible for more Generation of Waste:
Analysis of item-33 revealed that there exist significant differences m the
perception of the respondents on "consumer lifestyle is responsible for more generation of
waste" between LIG vs MIG, as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores ofLIG
and MIG. It revealed that there was significant difference in the perception level of the
respondents from the two mentioned income groups about the consumer lifestyle is
responsible for more generation of waste. Also the data revealed that there existed no
significant differences in the mean item scores between LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG. The
mean item score ranged from 1.94 to 3.35. It indicated that the lower income group feels
that HIG and MIG were more responsible for the generation of waste because of their
lifestyle. Hence the hypothesis-2 which states that "there exist no significant differences in
the perception of people with respect to the management of household solid waste in terms
of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs HIG
and MIG vs HIG indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-
33 ofthe Solid Waste Management system.
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Item 34: Neighbours are very much concerned about Solid Waste Disposal Problem
in your Locality:
perception of the respondents on "neighbours are very much concerned about solid waste
disposal problem in your locality" between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG, as
evident from the analysis of the mean item scores ofLIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs
HIG. It revealed that there was no significant difference in the perception level of the
respondents from all the three mentioned income groups about neighbours are very much
concerned about solid waste disposal problem in the locality. Again, the mean item score
ranged from 3.20 to 3.46. It indicated that the perception level of the respondents vary
from MIG to LIGand the perception level of MIG was higher than that ofLIG and HIG on
'neighbours are very much concerned about solid waste disposal problem in your locality'.
Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
perception of people with respect to the management of household solid waste in terms of
generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs MIG,
LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to
Item 35: Sufficiency of Community Bins in the Locality:
perception of the respondents on "the community bins provided in your locality is
sufficient "between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG, as evident from the
analysis of the mean item scores ofLIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG. It revealed
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that there were no significant difference in the perception level of the respondents from all
the three mentioned income groups about the community bins provided in your locality is
sufficient. Again, the mean item score ranged from 2. 78 to 3.15. It indicated that the
perception level of the respondents vary from IDG to LIGand the perception level ofHIG
was higher than that of MIG and LIG on the community bins provided in your locality is
sufficient. The data revealed that all the three groups feel about the insufficiency of
community bins in the community although this was more profound in case ofLIG group.
perception of people with respect to the management of household solid waste in terms of
generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs MIG,
LIG vs HIG and MIG vs IDG indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to
The item wise analysis of objective-3 comprising of 10 items was "to study the role
of traditional Institutions in solid waste management" revealed the following trends with
respect to the difference in perception of the respondents viz. Illiterate vs upto High
School, Illiterate vs. Graduate, Illiterate vs. Post Graduate, upto High School vs. Graduate,
upto High School vs. Post Graduate, Graduate vs. Post Graduate respondents. The items
have been studied with reference to educational qualification of the respondents. For the
purpose of the study, all the respondents from the four divisions were divided into four
categories viz. Illiterate, High School, Graduate, and Post Graduate.
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Item 36: The Dorbar Shnong take proper step for Disposal of Household Waste:
perception of the respondents on "the Dorbar Shnong take proper step for disposal of
household waste" between Illiterate vs High School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs
Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High School vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs
Post Graduate respondents of Shillong as evident from analysis of the mean item scores. It
revealed that there was no difference in the perception level of the respondents from all the
four educational groups about the Dorbar Shnong taking proper steps for disposal of
household waste. The mean item score varied from 3.23 to 3.64 from High School passed
to Illiterate respondents. It indicated that illiterate respondents perceive better than Post
Graduate, Graduate and High School passed respondents on "the Dorbar Shnong taking
proper steps for disposal of household waste". Hence the hypotheses-3 which stated that
"there exist no significant differences in the opinion of educational groups with regard to
the role of Traditional Institutions on solid waste management was confirmed in case of
Illiterate vs High School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs
Graduate, High School vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of
Shillong indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-3 with respect to item-36 of the Solid
Item 37: Strictures, Rules and Regulations of the Dorbar with regard to Solid Waste
Management is Appreciable:
perception of the respondents on "strictures, rules and regulations of the Dorbar with
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regard to solid waste management is appreciable" between the mean scores of Illiterate vs
High School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post graduate, High School vs Graduate,
and Graduate vs Post Graduate of Shillong as evident from analysis of the mean item
scores. It revealed that there were insignificant difference in the perception level of the
respondents from the above educational groups about the "strictures, rules and regulations
of the Dorbar with regard to solid waste management is appreciable". However, significant
differences in the opinion of the respondents was observed in case of High School vs Post
Graduate respondents on this item. As seen from the data, the mean item score varied from
3.02 to 3.45 from Post Graduate respondents to High School passed respondents. It
indicated that High School passed respondents perceive better than Post Graduate,
Graduate and Illiterate respondents on "the Dorbar Shnong taking proper steps for disposal
of household waste". Hence the hypotheses-3 which stated that "there exist no significant
differences in the opinion of educational groups with regard to the role of Traditional
Institutions on solid waste management" was confirmed in case of Illiterate vs High
School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, and
Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the
hypothesis-3 with respect to item-37 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 38: Strictures, Rules and Regulations of the Dorbar with regard to Solid Waste
Management is Strictly Enforced:
perception of the respondents on "strictures, rules and regulations of the Dorbar with
regard to solid waste management is strictly enforced" between the mean scores of
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Illiterate vs High school, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post graduate and High School
vs Graduate respondents of Shillong as evident from analysis of their mean item scores . It
revealed that there were no difference in the perception l.evel of the respondents of the
above mentioned educational groups about the strictures, rules and regulations of the
Dorbar with regard to solid waste management is strictly enforced. Again it was found that
significant differences in perception with respect to strictures, rules and regulations of the
Dorbar with regard to solid waste management is strictly enforced exist between High
school vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents. Analysis of mean
item score revealed that the mean item score varied from 2.71 to 3.30 from Illiterate
respondents to High School passed respondents to. It indicated that High School passed
respondents perceive better than Post Graduate, Graduate and Illiterate respondents on
"strictures, rules and regulations of the Dorbar with regard to solid waste management is
strictly enforced". Hence the hypothesis-3 which stated that "there exist no significant
School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate and High School vs Graduate
respondents of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-3 with respect
to item-38 ofthe Solid Waste Management system.
Item 39: Banning of Plastic Bags by Local Dorbars are Practicable:
perception of the respondents on "banning of plastic bags by local Dorbars is practicable "
between the mean scores of Illiterate vs High School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs
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Post Graduate and High School vs Post Graduate respondents as evident from analysis of
the mean item scores . It revealed that there were no significant difference in the perception
level of the respondents of the above mentioned educational groups about the practicability
of banning of plastic bags by local Dorbars. Again it was found that significant difference
in perception with respect to 'banning of plastic bags by local Dorbars are practicable'
existed between High School vs Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents.
Analysis of mean item score revealed that the mean item score varies from 3.28 to 3. 81
from Illiterate respondents to Graduate respondents. It indicated that Graduate respondents
perceive better than Post Graduate, Graduate and Illiterate respondents on "banning of
plastic bags by local Dorbars are practicable'. Hence the hypotheses 3 which states that
"there exist no significant differences in the opinion of educational groups with regard to
the role of Traditional Institutions on solid waste management" was confirmed in case of
Illiterate vs High School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate and High
School vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the
Item 40: Efficiency of Locality Cleaning by Dorbar Shnongs is Satisfactory:
perception of the respondents on "efficiency of locality cleaning by Dorbar Shnong is
satisfactory" between the mean scores of Illiterate vs High School, Illiterate vs Graduate,
Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High School vs Post Graduate and
Graduate vs Post Graduate Shillong as evident from analysis of the mean item scores. It
revealed that there were insignificant difference in the perception level of the respondents
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from six educational groups about the efficiency of locality cleaning by Dorbar Shnongs is
satisfactory. As seen from the data, the mean item score varies from 3.29 to 3.64 from
High School passed respondents to Illiterate respondents. It indicated that High School
respondents perceive better than Post Graduate, Graduate and Illiterate respondents on
"efficiency of locality cleaning by Dorbar Shnongs is satisfactory". Hence the hypotheses-
3 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of educational
groups with regard to the role of Traditional Institutions on solid waste management" was
confirmed in case of Illiterate vs High School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post
Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High School vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs Post
Graduate respondents of Shillong indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-3 with
respect to item-40 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 41: Local Dorbars can play a Major Role in Solid Waste Management:
perception of the respondents on "local Dorbars can play a major role in solid waste
management" between the mean scores of Illiterate vs High School, Illiterate vs Graduate,
Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High School vs Post Graduate and
Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong as evident from analysis of the mean
item scores. It revealed that there were insignificant difference in the perception level of
the respondents from six educational groups about the Local Dorbars can play a major role
in solid waste management. As seen from the data, the mean item score varied from 4.12 to
4.22 from high school passed respondents to iiiiterate respondents. It indicated that
Illiterate respondents perceive better than Post Graduate, Graduate and High School passed
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respondents on "local Dorbars can play a major role in solid waste management". Hence
the hypotheses3 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of
educational groups with regard to the role of Traditional Institutions on solid waste
management" was confirmed in case of Illiterate vs High school, Illiterate vs Graduate,
Illiterate vs Post graduate, High School vs Graduate, High School vs Post Graduate and
Graduate vs Post graduate respondents of Shillong indicating the acceptance of the
Item 42: Polybag Campaigns by NGOs and Local Dorbars have Significant effect on
Solid Waste Management:
perception of the respondents on "polybag campaigns by NGOs and local Dorbars have
significant effect on solid waste management" between the mean scores of Illiterate vs
High School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post graduate, High School vs Graduate,
High school vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate of Shillong as evident from
analysis of the mean item scores. It revealed that there were insignificant difference in the
perception level of the respondents from six educational groups about the polybag
campaigns by NGOs and local Dorbars have significant effect on solid waste management.
As seen from the data, the mean item score varied from 3. 21 to 3. 73 from Illiterate
respondents to Post Graduate respondents. It indicated that Post Graduate respondents
perceive better than Graduate, High School passed respondents and Illiterate on "polybag
campaigns by NGOs and local Dorbars have significant effect on solid waste
management". Hence the hypothesis-3 which states that "there exist no significant
246
school, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High
School vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong indicating
the acceptance of the hypothesis-3 with respect to item-42 of the Solid Waste Management
system.
Item 43: The Local Dorbar should Work in close Coordination with the Government
and Other Agencies:
perception of the respondents on "the Local Dorbar should work in close coordination with
the Government and other agencies" between the mean scores of Illiterate vs High School,
Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High School
vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong as evident from
analysis of the mean item scores. It revealed that there were insignificant difference in the
perception level of the respondents from the above six educational groups about the "the
Local Dorbar should work in close coordination with the Government and other agencies".
As seen from the data, the mean item score varied from 2.95 to 3.29 from Post Graduate
respondents to High School passed respondents. It indicated that High School passed
respondents perceive better than Illiterate, Graduate, and Post Graduate passed respondents
on "the Local Dorbar should work in close coordination with the Government and other
agencies". Hence the hypotheses-3 which stated that "there exist no significant differences
in the opinion of educational groups with regard to the role of Traditional Institutions on
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solid waste management" was confirmed in case of Illiterate vs High School, Illiterate vs
Graduate, Illiterate vs Post graduate, High School vs Graduate, High School vs Post
Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong indicating the acceptance
of the hypothesis-3 with respect to item-43 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 44: The Headman is the Appropriate Person to Inform about the Problem of
Solid Waste in the Locality:
perception of the respondents on "the headman is the appropriate person to inform about
the problem of solid waste in the locality" between the mean scores of Illiterate vs High
School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High
School vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong as evident
from analysis of the mean item scores. It revealed that there were insignificant difference
in the perception level of the respondents from six educational groups about the "the
headman is the appropriate person to inform about the problem of solid waste in the
locality". As seen from the data, the mean item score varied from 3. 71 to 4.20 from
Illiterate respondents to Post Graduate respondents. It indicated that Post Graduate
respondents perceive better than Graduate, High School passed respondents and Illiterate
on "the headman is the appropriate person to inform about the problem of solid waste in
the locality". Hence the hypotheses-3 which stated that "there exist no significant
School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High
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School vs Post graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong indicating
the acceptance of the hypothesis-3 with respect to item-44 ofthe Solid Waste Management
System.
Item 45: A Forum at the Community Level to Manage Garbage Problems:
perception of the respondents on "a forum at the community level to manage garbage
problems is necessary" between the mean scores of Illiterate vs upto High School, Illiterate
vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate, upto HS vs Graduate, upto High School vs Post
Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong. This signified that there
was no difference in the perception level of the respondents from all the four educational
groups about having a forum at the community level to manage garbage problems in the
community. The mean item score varied from 4.35 to 4.20. This implied that all the four
educational groups are in favour of having a community forum to manage garbage
problems. Hence the Hypothesis-3 which stated that "there exist no significant differences
in the opinion of educational groups with regard to the role of Traditional Institutions on
solid waste management" was confirmed in case of Illiterate vs upto High School, Illiterate
vs Gradaute, Illiterate vs Post Graduate, upto HS vs Graduate, upto HS vs Post Gradauate
and Graduate vs Post Gradauate respondents indicating the acceptance of hypothesis-3
with respect to item-44 ofthe Solid Waste Management System.
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4.4 Main Findings Objective No.4
The item wise analysis of objective-4 comprising of 14 items was "to study the
method of solid waste management with respect to disposal and utilization pattern by the
Municipal Board". The testing of the hypothesis was done on the basis of the responses of
the respondents from slum, commercial, residential and hospital areas of Shillong, which
revealed the following trends:
Item 46: Solid Waste Generated at Household Level is collected at Specific Intervals
as Fixed by the Municipality:
perception of the respondents on "solid waste generated at household level is collected at
specific intervals as fixed by the Municipality" between the mean scores of Slum vs
Commercial, Slum vs Residential, Slum vs Hospital, Commercial vs Residential,
Commercial vs Hospital and Residential vs Hospital areas of Shillong as evident from
analysis of the mean item scores. It revealed that there were insignificant differences in the
perception level of the respondents from slum, commercial, residential and hospital areas
of Shillong about the solid waste generated at household level is collected at specific
intervals as fixed by the Municipality. As seen from the data, the mean item score varied
from 3.56 to 4.15 from Hospital area Residents to Commercial areas Residents. It indicated
that Municipality takes more care about Commercial areas followed by Residential areas,
Slum areas and lastly the Hospital areas. Perhaps Hospital areas accumulate more Hospital
wastes which are directly dumped in the drain or in the nearby stream. Hence the
hypothesis-4 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the method of solid
250
waste management with respect to disposal and utilization pattern by the Municipal Board"
was confirmed in case of Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs Residential, Slum vs Hospital,
Commercial vs Residential, Commercial vs Hospital and Residential vs Hospital residents
of Shillong indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-4 with respect to item-46 of the
Item 47: Do you use the Services of the Municipal Truck for Disposal of Waste:
opinion of the respondents between Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs Residential and
Commercial vs Residential area respondents on using the services of the Municipal truck
for the disposal of waste whereas significant differences in this item was found between
Slum vs Hospital, Commercial vs Hospital and Residential vs Hospital residents of
Shillong. The mean item score varied from 2.43 to 3.62 from Hospital are residents to
Slum area residents. It indicated that Slum area residents use the services of Municipal
truck for disposal of waste than Commercial, Residential and Hospital area residents.
Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs Residential and
Commercial vs Residential area indicating partial acceptance of hypothesis-4 with respect
to item-47 of the Solid Waste Management system.
251
Item 48: Does the Municipality take Adequate Measures for Collection of Household
Waste:
Analysis of item-48 revealed that there exist no significant difference in the
perception of the respondents on "the Municipality takes adequate measures for collection
of household waste" between the mean scores of Slum vs Hospital and Commercial vs
Residential area respondents whereas significant difference was found between Slum vs
Commercial, Slum vs Residential, Commercial vs Hospital and residential vs Hospital
residents of Shillong on this item. The mean score varied from 2.33 to 3.46 from Hospital
to Commercial area respondents. This indicated that the Municipality takes adequate
measures for collection of household waste in commercial areas more than that of
Residential, Slum and Hospital areas. Hence, the hypothesis-4 which stated that "there
exist no significant differences in the method of solid waste management with respect to
disposal and utilization pattern by the Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of Slum vs
Hospital and Commercial vs Residential areas of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance
ofhypothesis-4 with respect to item-48 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 49: The Method of Disposal of Waste by Municipal Authority is Satisfactory:
perception of the respondents on "the method of disposal of waste by Municipal Authority
is satisfactory" between the mean scores of Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs Residential,
Slum vs Hospital and Residential vs Hospital areas of Shillong whereas there exist
significant differences between the mean scores of Commercial vs Residential and
Commercial vs Hospital areas of Shillong on this item. As seen from the data, the mean
252
item score varied from 3.16 to 3. 90 from Hospital area residents to Commercial areas
residents. It indicated that Municipality Commercial area residents are more satisfied with
the method of disposal of waste by the municipal authority than Residential, Slum and
Hospital areas of Shillong. Hence the hypothesis-4 which stated that "there exist no
significant differences in the method of solid waste management with respect to disposal
and utilization pattern by the Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of Slum vs
Commercial, Slum vs Residential, Slum vs Hospital and Residential vs Hospital areas of
Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-4 with respect to item-49 of the
Item 50: Efficiency of Street Cleaning by Municipality is Satisfactory:
perception of the respondents on "efficiency of street cleaning by Municipality is
satisfactory" between the mean scores of Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs Residential, Slum
vs Hospital, Commercial vs Residential, Commercial vs Hospital and Residential vs
Hospital areas of Shillong as evident from analysis of the mean item scores. It revealed
that there were insignificant differences in the perception level of the respondents from
Slum, Commercial, Residential and Hospital areas of Shillong about the "efficiency of
street cleaning by Municipality is satisfactory". As seen from the data, the mean item score
varies from 2.89 to 3.34 from Slum area residents to Commercial areas residents. It
indicated that Municipality takes more care about Commercial areas followed by
Residential areas, Hospitjl areas and lastly the Slum areas as for as street cleaning is
concerned. Hence the hypothesis-4 which stated that "there exist no significant differences
253
in the method of solid waste management with respect to disposal and utilization pattern
by the Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs
Residential, Slum vs Hospital, Commercial vs Residential, Commercial vs Hospital and
Residential vs Hospital residents of Shillong indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-4
Item 51: The Shillong Municipality should have a Proper Sanitary Landfill:
Analysis of item-51 revealed that there exist significant differences m the
perception of the respondents on "the Shillong municipality should have a proper sanitary
landfill" between the mean scores of Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs Residential and Slum
vs Hospital areas of Shillong whereas there existed no significant differences between the
mean scores of commercial vs residential, Commercial vs hospital and residential vs
hospital of Shillong on this item. As seen from the data, the mean item score varied from
3.29 to 4.23 from Slum area residents to Hospital area residents. It indicated that majority
of respondents of all the areas are of the opinion that there exist a proper sanitary landfill
by the Shillong municipality. Hence the hypothesis-4 which stated that "there exist no
and utilization pattern by the Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of commercial vs
residential, Commercial vs hospital and residential vs hospital of Shillong indicating the
partial acceptance of the hypothesis-4 with respect to item-51 of the Solid Wa9t~
Management system.
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Item 52: The Construction of Incinerators by Municipality at selected Sites is
Necessary for Disposal of Waste:
Analysis of item-52 revealed that there exist no significant differences in opinion of
the respondents on "the construction of incinerators by Municipality at selected sites is
necessary for disposal of waste" between the mean scores of Slum vs Commercial, Slum
vs Residential, Slum vs Hospital and Commercial vs Residential areas of Shillong whereas
there existed significant differences the mean scores of Commercial vs Hospital, and
Residential, vs Hospital areas of Shillong on this item .. As seen from the data, the mean
item score varied from 2.96 to 3.84 from Hospital area residents to Commercial area
residents. It indicated that majority of respondents of all the areas are of the opinion that
there is a need for construction of incinerators at selected sites for proper disposal of
wastes. Hence the hypothesis-4 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in
the method of solid waste management with respect to disposal and utilization pattern by
the Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs residential,
Slum vs Hospital and Commercial vs Residential areas indicating the partial acceptance of
the hypothesis-4 with respect to item-52 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 53: The Municipal should have a Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment
Facility:
Analysis of item-53 revealed that there exist no significant differences in opinion of
the respondents on "the Municipal should have a common bio-medical waste treatment
facility" between the mean scores of Slum vs Commercial, Commercial vs Residential,
Commercial vs Hospital and Residential vs Hospital areas of Shillong whereas significant
differences was found in case of Slum vs Residential and Slum vs Hospital areas of
255
Shillong. The mean item score ranged from 2.86 to 3.50 from Slum area residents to
Hospital area residents. It indicated that majority of respondents of all the areas are of the
opinion that there is a need for construction of incinerators at selected sites for proper
disposal of wastes. Hence the hypothesis-4 which stated that "there exist no significant
differences in the method of solid waste management with respect to disposal and
utilization pattern by the Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of Slum vs Commercial,
Commercial vs Residential, Commercial vs Hospital and Residential vs Hospital areas
indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-4 with respect to item-53 of the Solid
Item 54: Municipality should Take Proper Measures and Steps in Recycling
Initiatives:
Analysis of item-54 revealed that there exist significant differences in opinion of
the respondents on "Municipality should take proper measures and steps in recycling
initiatives between the mean scores of Slum vs Commercial and Commercial Vs
Residential whereas no significant difference existed between the mean scores of Slum vs
Residential, Slum vs Hospital, Commercial vs Hospital and Residential vs Hospital.
Analysis of the mean score revealed that it varied from 3.35 to 4.03. This revealed that
majority of the respondents are of the opinion that Municipality should take proper
measures and steps in recycling initiatives .This means that people of Shillong are aware of
the importance of recycling units. Hence the hypothesis-4 which stated that "there exist no
and utilization pattern by the Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of Slum vs
256
Residential, Slum vs Hospital, Commercial vs Hospital and Residential vs Hospital areas
indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-4 with respect to item-54 of the Solid
Item 55: Non-Municipal Areas have no Proper Mechanism of Waste Disposal
Analysis of item-55 revealed that there exist no significant differences in the perception
of the respondents on "non- Municipal areas have no proper mechanism of waste disposal"
between the mean scores of Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs Residential, Slum vs Hospital,
Commercial vs Residential, Commercial vs Hospital and Residential vs Hospital areas of
Shillong as evident from analysis of the mean item scores. It revealed that there were
insignificant differences in the opinion of the respondents from Slum, Commercial,
Residential and Hospital areas of Shillong about the non-Municipal areas have no proper
mechanism ofwaste disposal. As seen from the data, the mean item score varied from 3.53
to 4.03 from residential area residents to hospital areas residents. This revealed that the
people of all the areas are in favour of having proper mechanisms for waste disposal.
Hence the hypotheses-4 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs Residential,
Slum vs Hospital, Commercial vs Residential, Commercial vs Hospital and Residential vs
Hospital residents of Shillong indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-4 with respect to
257
Item 56: The Municipality has taken Adequate Initiative for Garbage Disposal in the
Locality:
The analysis of item-56 shows that there exist significant differences in the
perception of the respondents on 'the municipality has taken adequate initiative for garbage
disposal in the locality' between Slum vs Residential area respondents as evident from
their mean item scores. The data further reveled that there exists no significant differences
in the opinion of the respondents on 'the municipality has taken adequate initiative for
garbage disposal in the locality' between Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs Hospital,
Commercial vs Residential, Commercial vs Hospital, and Residential vs Hospital residents
of Shillong as evident from the analysis of their mean item scores. Further the mean item
score varied from 2.73 to 3.28 from Slum areas to Residential areas. This means the
municipality takes adequate measures for the disposal of garbage in residential areas than
hospital, commercial and slum areas of Shillong. Hence the hypothesis-4 which states that
"there exist no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents of Slum,
Commercial, Hospital and Residential areas on solid waste management by the
Municipality" on item-56 was confirmed in case of Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs
Hospital, Commercial vs Residential, Commercial vs Hospital, and Residential vs Hospital
residents of Shillong whereas it was rejected in case of Slum vs Residential area
respondents of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of hypothesis-4 with respect to
item-56 ofthe solid waste management system.
258
Item 57: Response of Municipal Authority to Complaints about Waste Disposal is
Satisfactory:
The analysis of item-57 shows that there exist no significant differences in the
perception of the respondents on 'response of municipal authority to complaints about
waste disposal is satisfactory' between Slum vs Residential, Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs
Hospital, Commercial vs Residential, Commercial vs Hospital, and Residential vs Hospital
residents of Shillong as evident from the analysis of their mean item scores Further the
mean item score varied from 2.60 to 2.95 from Residential areas to Hospital areas. This
means that complaints are received more favorably in Hospital areas than Slum,
Commercial and Residential areas. Hence the hypothesis 4 which states that "there exist no
significant differences in the opinion of the respondents of Slum, Commercial, Hospital
and Residential areas on solid waste management by the Municipality" on item-57 was
confirmed in case of Slum vs Residential ,Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs Hospital,
of Shillong indicating the acceptance of hypothesis-4 with respect to item-57 of the solid
waste management system.
Item 58: The Collection and Disposal of Solid Waste by Municipality in Slum Areas is
more Problematic:
perception of the respondents on 'the collection and disposal of solid waste by
municipality in slum areas is more problematic' between Slum vs Residential, Slum vs
Commercial, Slum vs Hospital, Commercial vs Residential, Commercial vs Hospital, and

~
Residential vs Hospital residents of Shillong as evident from the analysis of their mean
259
item scores Further the mean item score varied from 3.100 to 3.458 from Hospital areas
to Residential areas. This means that collection and disposal of solid waste is more
problematic in Slum areas as felt by the residential area respondents than Slum,
Commercial and Hospital area residents. Hence the hypothesis 4 which states that "there
exist no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents of Slum, Commercial,
Hospital and Residential areas on solid waste management by the Municipality" on item-
58 was confirmed in case of Slum vs Residential, Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs Hospital,
of Shillong indicating the acceptance of hypothesis-4 with respect to item-58 of the solid
waste management system.
Item 59: The Shillong Municipality does not have Adequate Provision for Ensuring
Appropriate Solid Waste Management:
perception of the respondents on 'the Shillong municipality does not have adequate
provision for ensuring appropriate solid waste management' between Slum vs
Commercial, and Commercial vs Residential area respondents of Shillong as evident from
the analysis of their mean item scores. The data further reveled that there exists significant
differences in the opinion of the respondents on item-59 between 'Slum vs Residential,
Slum vs Hospital, Commercial vs Hospital and Residential vs Hospital residents of
Shillong as evident from the analysis of their mean item scores. Further the mean item
score varied from 2.76 to 4.00 from Hospital areas to slum areas. This means that the
respondents of Hospital areas feel that the Shillong municipality does not have adequate
260
provision for appropriate solid waste management and it was felt more by the Slum area
respondents than that of Commercial, Residential and Hospital area respondents of
Shillong. Hence the hypothesis 4 which states that "there exist no significant differences in
the opinion of the respondents of Slum, Commercial, Hospital and Residential areas on
solid waste management by the Municipality" on item-59 was confirmed in case of Slum
vs Commercial, and Commercial vs Residential area respondents of Shillong indicating the
partial acceptance of hypothesis-4 with respect to item-59 of the solid waste management
system.
The item wise analysis of objective-S comprising of 09 items that was "to study
the existing strictures, rules, and regulations, environmental planning, coordination, IEC
components and other institutional arrangements for solid waste management at the
Governmental level" revealed the following trends with respect to the differences of
respondents viz. Sex and their Age group.
Item 60: Strictures, Rules and Regulations of the Government with regard to Solid
Waste Management is Appreciable:
Analysis of item-60 revealed that there exist significant differences in opinion of
the Male and Female respondents on "strictures, rules and regulations of the government
with regard to solid waste management is appreciable" as evident from the analysis of
mean items scores. Further the mean item scores indicated that Female respondents
appreciated the strictures, rules and regulations of the government with regard to solid
261
waste management more than that of the Male respondents. The mean item score varied
from 3.190 to 3 .497. It indicated that the appreciability of strictures, rules and regulations
are more in case of Females than the Males. Hence the hypothesis-5 which stated that
"there exist no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the
government on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's sex and age
group" was rejected in case of Male vs Female respondents with respect to item-60 of the
Again, analysis of item-60 revealed that there exist no significant differences in the
opinion of the respondents on "strictures, rules and regulations of the government with
regard to solid waste management is appreciable" as evident from the analysis of mean
item scores of respondents ofless than 35 years vs 35-55 years, less than 35 years vs above
55 years and 35-55 years vs above 55 years. The mean item scores indicated that the
strictures, rules and regulations of the government with regard to solid waste management
is appreciated more by the respondents of less than 35 years followed by 35-55 years and
above 55 years respectively. However, the mean item s<;ores ranged from 3.241 to 3.492.
This indicated that the responds do appreciate the strictures, rules and regulations of the
government with regard to solid waste management to an appreciable extent. Hence the
hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of the
respondents on the role of the government on solid waste management with respect to the
respondent's sex and age group", was confirmed in case of respondents of less than 35
years vs 35-55 years, less than 35 years vs above 55 years and 35-55 years vs above 55
years indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-5 with respect to item-60 of the Solid

262
Item 61: Strictures, Rules and Regulations of the Government with regard to Solid
Waste Management is Strictly Enforced:
Analysis of item-61 revealed that there existed significant differences in the
opinion of the respondents on "strictures, rules and regulations of the government with
regard to solid waste management is strictly enforced" between Male vs Female
respondents as evident from analysis ofthe mean item scores. It revealed that there existed
difference in opinion of the Male and Female respondents on enforcement of strictures,
rules and regulations of the government with regard to solid waste management. Since the
mean item score ranged from 2.742 to 3.206, the respondents opinion about enforcement
of strictures, rules and regulations of the government is not appropriate. Hence, the
respondent's sex and age group" was not confirmed in case of Male vs Female respondents
indicating the rejection of the hypothesis-5 with respect to item-61 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
Again analysis of item-61 revealed that there existed no significant differences in
perception of the respondents on "strictures, rules and regulations of the government with
regard to solid waste management is strictly enforced" between respondents of less than
35 years vs above 55 years and 35-55 years vs above 55 years as evident from the analysis
of the mean item scores of respondent of less than 35 years vs 35-55 years, less than 35
years vs above 55 years and 35-55 years vs above 55 years. It revealed that there were no
differences in the opinion of the respondents on enforcement of strictures, rules and
regulations of the government on solid waste management between respondents of less
263
than 35 years vs above 55 years and respondents of 35-55 years vs above than 55 years.
Further analysis revealed that significant differences in opinion existed between
respondents ofless than 35 years vs 35-55 years age group. The mean item scores ranged
from 3.098 to 2.821. This indicated that the enforcement of strictures, rules and regulations
are not enforced to the desired extent. Hence, the hypothesis-5 which stated that "strictures,
rules and regulations of the government with regard to SWM is strictly enforced" was
confirmed in case of respondents of less than 35 years vs above 55 years and 35-55 years
vs above 55 years whereas it was not confirmed in case of respondents of less than 35
years vs 35-55 years indicating the partial acceptance of hypothesis-5 with regard to item-
Item 62: People should be Penalized for Violating Government Rules and Norms with
regard to Solid Waste:
mean item scores of Male vs Female on "people should be penalized for violating
Government rules and norms with regard to solid waste management". The mean item
score varied from 3.84 to 4.08 from Female to Male respondents. The analysis of mean
item score showed that Male respondents are in favour of penalties rather than the Female
respondents. Hence, the hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist no significant
differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the government on solid waste
management with respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was rejected in case of
Male vs Female respondents with respect to item-62 of the Solid Waste Management
system.
264
Again analysis of item-62 revealed that there existed no significant differences in
the opinion of the respondents on "people should be penalized for violating Government
rules and norms with regard to solid waste management" as evident from the analysis of
mean item scores of respondents ofless than 35 years vs 35-55 years, less than 35-55 years
vs above 55 years and 35-55 years vs above 55 years. The mean item scores ranged from
3.92 to 3.98. This indicated that respondents of different age groups are in favour of
impositions of penalties for violating government rules and norms with regard to solid
waste management. Hence, the hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist no significant
differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the government on solid waste
management with respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was accepted in case of
respondents of different age groups with respect to item-62 of SWM system.
Item 63: Banning of Plastic Bags by the Government is Appreciable
opinion of Male and Female respondents on "banning of plastic bags by the government is
appreciable" as evident from the analysis of mean item scores of Male vs Female
respondents. The mean item scores indicated that Male respondents are more in favour of
banning plastic bags rather than Female employees. Hence the hypothesis-5 which stated
that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of
the government on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's Sex and Age
group" was accepted in case of Male vs Female respondents with respect to itern-63 of the
265
Again the analysis of item-63 revealed that there exist no significant differences in
the opinion of the respondents of different age groups on "banning of plastic bags by the
government is appreciable" as evident from the analysis of mean item scores of
respondents of less than 35 years vs 35-55 years, less than 35 years vs above 55 years and
35-55 years vs above above than 55 years. The mean item scores revealed that all the age
group. under the study are in favour of banning plastic bags by the government. Hence, the
respondent's sex and age group" was accepted in case of respondents ofless than 35 years
vs 35-55 years, less than 35 years vs above 55 years and 35-55 years vs above than 55
years with respect to item 63 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 64: Government Solid Waste Management Plans is in Accordance with its
Priorities for the Environment:
opinion of the Male and Female respondents on "government solid waste management
plans is in accordance with its priorities for the government" as evident from the analysis
of mean item scores of Male vs Female. The mean item scores revealed the Male
respondents opine that the government solid waste management plans is in accordance
with its priorities for the environment than the Female respondents. Hence, the hypothesis-
5 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents
on the role of the government on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's
266
sex and age group" was accepted in case of Male vs Female respondents with respect to
Again analysis of item-64 revealed that there exist no significant differences in the
opinion of respondents ofless than 35 years vs 35-55 years and respondents of35-55 years
vs above 55 years on "government solid waste management plans is in accordance with its
priorities for the government" whereas significant differences in the opinion existed
between respondents of less than 35 years vs above 55 years on this item. The mean item
scores ranged from 3.464 to 2.929. This indicated that respondents of less than 35 years
see that government solid waste management plans are in accordance with its priorities for
the environment than respondents of 35-55 years age group and above 55 years age group.
opinion of the respondents on the role of the government on solid waste management with
respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was partially accepted with respect to item-
Item 65: There is Lack of Clear-cut Coordination among different Departments of

the Government in Solid Waste Management:
opinion of the respondents on "there is a lack of clear-cut coordination among different
departments of the government in solid waste management" as evident from the analysis of
mean item scores. The mean item scores revealed that the Female respondents are more
conscious about lack of coordination among different departments of the government in
solid waste management rather the Male respondents. Hence the hypothesis-5, which
267
stated that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the
role of the government on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's sex
and age group", was accepted with respect to item-65 of the Solid Waste Management
system.
opinion of the respondents on "there is a lack of clear-cut coordination among different
departments of the government in solid waste management" with respect to respondents of
less than 35 years vs above 55 years and respondents of 35-55 years vs above 55 years
whereas significant differences in the opinion existed between respondents of less than 35
years vs 35-55 years on this item. The mean item scores ranged from 3.021 to 3.344. This
indicated that respondents of less than 35 years feel that there existed lack of coordination
among different departments of the government in SWM more than respondents of above
55 years and 35-55 years age group. Hence, the hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist
no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the government
on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was
partially accepted with respect to item-65 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 66: Government should Educate, Train and Create Awareness on Solid Waste
Management:
opinion of Male vs Female respondents on "government should educate, train and create
awareness on solid waste management". The mean item scores revealed that the Male
respondents are more in favour of education, training and awareness on solid waste
268
management rather than Female respondents although there were no significant variations
in opinions between them. Hence, the hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist no
significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the government on
solid waste management with respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was accepted
opinion of respondents of less than 35 years vs 35-55 years and 35-55 years vs above 55
years on "government should educate, train and create awareness on solid waste
management " whereas significant differences in the opinion of the respondents of less
than 35 years vs above 55 years was inferred as evident from the mean item scores of
different age groups on this item. As the mean item scores ranged from 3.16 to 3.69, all the
different age groups are of the opinion that people should be educated, trained and made
aware on management of solid wastes. Hence, the hypothesis which stated that "there exist
no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the government
on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was
confirmed in case of respondents of less than 35 years vs 35-55 years and 35-55 years vs
above 55 years whereas it was rejected in case of respondents of less than 35 years vs
above 3 5 years indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-5 with respect to item-66
of the Solid Waste Management system.
269
Item 67: Privatization not a Priority of the Government with regard to Solid Waste
Management:
The analysis of item-67 revealed that there exist no significant differences in the
opinion of Male vs Female respondents on "privatization not a priority of the government
with regard to solid waste management " as evident from the analysis of mean item scores
for this item. Further, the Male respondents feel it more in a stronger way than the Female
respondents although there were no significant variations in the mean item scores of Male
and Female respondents. Hence, the hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist no
significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the government on
solid waste management with respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was accepted
opinion of respondents of less than 35 years vs 35-55 years, ofless than 35 years vs above
55 years and of 35-55 years vs above 55 years on "privatization not a priority of the
government with regard to solid waste management" as evident from the analysis of mean
item scores of different age group. Further the mean item scores ranged from 3.52 to 3.64.
It indicated that all the different age groups were of the opinion that privatization was not a
priority of the government with regard to solid waste management. Hence the hypothesis-5
which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents
on the role of the government on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's
sex and age group" was accepted in case of respondents of less than 35 years vs 35-55
years, less than 35 years vs above 55 years and 35 -55 years vs above 55 years with respect
to item-67 ofthe Solid Waste Management syst~m.
270
Jtem 68: The State should collect Taxes with regard to Solid Waste Management:
opinion of Male and Female respondents on "the state should collect taxes with regard to
solid waste management" as evident from the analysis of mean item scores. As the mean
ranged from 4.08 to 4.29, both the category of respondents are in favour of state to collect
taxes on management of solid wastes. Hence, the hypothesis-5 which stated that the "there
exist no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the
government on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's sex and age
group" was accepted with respect to Male vs Female respondents with respect to item-68
Again analysis of item-68 revealed that there existed significant differences in the
opinion of the respondents of less than 35 years vs above 55 years and 35-55 years vs
above 55 years on "the state should collect taxes with regard to solid waste management"
as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores whereas there existed no significant
differences in the opinion of the respondents of less than 35 years vs 35-55 years on this
item. The mean item scores for this item ranged from 3. 76 to 4.26. It indicated that
respondents of less than 35 years were in a positive frame of mind to pay taxes with
respect to solid waste management than respondents of 35-55 years and above 55 years.
opinion of the respondents on the role of the government on solid waste management with
respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was accepted in case of respondents of less
than 35 years vs 35-55 years whereas it was rejected in case ofrespondents of less than 35
271
years vs above 55 years and 35-55 years vs above 55 years indicating the partial
acceptance of the hypothesis with respect to item-68 on Solid Waste Management system.
The item wise analysis of objective-6 comprising of 11 items was "to assess the
overall state of environment with respect to sanitation and health of the community". The
testing of the hypothesis was done on the basis of the responses of the respondents viz.
type of families and occupational groups. The main findings are as under:
Item 69: Control of Pests and Vectors is a Problem in Your Locality:
Analysis of item-69 revealed that there exist no significant differences m the
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "control of pests and
vectors is a problem in your locality" as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores.
Further as the mean score ranged from 2.37 to 2.62, it revealed that the magnitude of the
problem of pests and vectors are comparatively less. Hence the hypothesis which stated
that "there existed no significant differences in the opinion of different families on solid
waste management with respect to the state of environment in Shillong" was confirmed
indicating the acceptance of hypothesis-6 with respect to item-69 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
Again analysis of item-69 revealed that there exist no significant differences in
opinion ofthe respondents on "control of pests and vectors is a problem in the locality" on
analysis of their mean item scores based on different occupational groups viz. Government
vs Private employees, Government vs Professional employees, Government vs. Other

272
employees, Private vs Professional employees, Private vs Other employees and
Professional vs Other employees. It revealed that there was no difference of opinion of the
different category of employees on control of pest and vectors as a problem in the locality
in which they live. Again the mean item scores of the different occupational groups varied
from 2. 00 to 2.46. This indicated that the problem of vectors and pests are minimal in the
different localities of Shillong. Hence the hypothesis-6 which stated that "there exists no
significant differences in the opinion of different occupational groups on solid waste
management" viz. Government vs Private employees, Government vs Professional
employees, Government vs Other employees, Private vs Professional employees, Private
vs Other employees and Professional vs Other employees indicated the acceptance of
Item 70: Door-to-Door Collection of Garbage is Environmentally Sound:
Analysis of item-70 revealed that there exist significant differences in the opinion
of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "door to door collection of
garbage is environmentally sound" as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores.
Further as the mean score ranged from 3.24 to 3.62, it revealed that respondents of both
nuclear and joint families are in favour of door to door collection of garbage and they feel
that it is nevertheless environmentally sound although the variations of mean item scores
are significant. Hence the hypothesis which stated that "there existed no significant
differences in the opinion of different families on solid waste management with respect to
the state of environment in Shillong" was not confirmed indicating the rejection of the

273
opinion of the respondents on "door to door collection of garbage is environmentally
sound" on analysis of their mean item scores based on different occupational groups viz.
Government vs Private employees, Government vs Professional employees, Government
vs Other employees, Private vs Professional employees, Private vs Other employees and
different category of employees on "door to door collection of garbage is environmentally
sound". Again the mean item scores ofthe different occupational groups varied from 3.26
to 3.38. This indicated that people of different occupational groups are in favour of door to
door collection of garbage and they feel that this would make the environment clean.
Hence the hypothesis-6 which stated that "there exists no significant differences in the
opinion of different occupational groups on solid waste management" viz. Government vs
Private employees, Government vs Professional employees, Government vs Other
Professional vs Other employees indicating the acceptance of hypothesis-6 with respect to
Item 71: The Community Storage System is an Eyesore:
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "the community
storage system is an eyesore" as evident from the analysis ofthe mean item scores. Further
as the mean score ranged from 2.60 to 2.65, it revealed that respondents of both nuclear
and joint families are of clear opinion that the community storage system is an eyesore.
274
Hence the hypothesis which stated that "there existed no significant differences in the
opinion of different families on solid waste management with respect to the state of
environment in Shillong" was confirmed indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-6
Again analysis of item-71 revealed that there exist significant differences in
opinion of the respondents on "the community storage system is an eyesore" on analysis of
their mean item scores based on different occupational groups viz. Government vs Private
employees, Government vs Professional employees, and Government vs Other employees
whereas no significant differences in opinion was found between Private vs Professional
employees, Private vs Other employees and Professional vs Other employees. It revealed
that there was difference of opinion of the different category of employees on "the
community storage system is an eye shore. Again the mean item scores of the different
occupational groups varied from 2.35 to 3.00. This indicated that people of different
occupational groups are of the unanimous opinion that the community storage system is an
eyesore. Hence the hypothesis-6 which stated that "there exists no significant differences
in the opinion of different occupational groups on solid waste management" was
confirmed in case of Private vs Professional employees, Private vs Other employees and
Professional vs Other employees indicating the partial acceptance of hypothesis-6 with
respect to item-71 ofthe Solid Waste Management system.
Item 72: Lack of Concern about Overall Quality of the Environment is Conspicuous:
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "lack of concerns
275
about the quality of the environment is conspicuous" as evident from the analysis of the
mean item scores. Further as the mean score ranged from 2.21 to 2.27, it revealed that
respondents of both nuclear and joint families are of clear opinion that there is clear-cut
lack of concern about the quality of environment in Shillong among the Shillongites.
opinion of the respondents on "lack of concern about overall quality of the environment is
conspicuous" on analysis of their mean item scores based on different occupational groups
viz. Government vs Private employees, Government vs Professional employees,
Government vs Other employees, Private vs Professional employees, Private vs Other
employees and Professional vs Other employees. It revealed that there was no difference of
opinion of the different category of employees on "lack of concerns about overall quality
of the environment is conspicuous". Again the mean item scores of the different
occupational groups are least conspicuous about the overall quality of environment of
Shillong. Hence the hypothesis-6 which stated that "there exists no significant differences
in the opinion of different occupational groups on solid waste management" viz.
Government vs Private employees, Government vs Professional employees, Government
vs Other employees, Private vs Professional employees, Private vs Other employees and
276
Professional vs Other employees indicating the acceptance of hypothesis-6 with respect to
Item 73: Rag Picking and Scavenging is a Matter of Concern:
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "rag picking and
scavenging is matter of concern" as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores.
nuclear and joint families are of less concern with respect to rag picking and scavenging.
opinion of the respondents on "rag picking and scavenging is matter of concern' on
analysis of their mean item scores based on different occupational groups viz. Government
vs Private employees, Government vs Other employees, Private vs Other employees,
Professional vs Other employees and Professional vs Other employees whereas significant
differences in opinion was found between Government vs Professional employees and
Private vs Professional employees. It revealed that there was difference of opinion of the
different category of employees on "rag picking and scavenging is matter of concern".
Again the mean item scores of the different occupational groups varied from 2. 00 to 2. 71.
This indicated that people of different occupational groups are of less concern about rag
277
picking and scavenging". Hence the hypothesis-6 which stated that "there exists no
significant differences in the opinion of different occupational groups on solid waste
management" was confirmed in case of Government vs Private employees, Government vs
Other employees, Private vs Other employees and Professional vs Other employees
indicating the partial acceptance of hypothesis 6 with respect to item-73 ofthe Solid Waste
Management system.
Item 74: Loading Waste into Trucks is Slow and Unhygienic:
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "loading wastes into
trucks is slow and unhygienic" as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores.
nuclear and joint families are concerned about the manner of loading and unhygienic
process of loading in the municipal trucks. Hence the hypothesis which stated that "there
existed no significant differences in the opinion of different families on solid waste
management with respect to the state of environment in Shillong" was confirmed
Management system.
opinion of the respondents on "loading wastes into trucks is slow and unhygienic" on
analysis oftheir mean item scores based on different occupational groups viz. Government
vs Private employees, Government vs Professional employees, Government vs Other

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different category of employees on "loading of wastes into trucks is slow and unhygienic".
Again the mean item scores of the different occupational groups varied from 3. 10 to 3. 35.
This indicated that people of different occupational groups are in favour of the preposition
that loading of wastes into trucks is slow and also unhygienic. Hence the hypothesis-6
which stated that "there exists no significant differences in the opinion of different
occupational groups on solid waste management" viz. Government vs Private employees,
Government vs Professional employees, Government vs Other employees, Private vs
Professional employees, Private vs Other employees and Professional vs Other employees
indicating the acceptance of hypothesis-6 with respect to item-74 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
Item 75: Indiscriminate Disposal of Waste has not created any Health Hazards in the
Community:
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "indiscriminate
disposal of waste has not created any health hazards in the community" as evident from the
analysis of the mean item scores. Further as the mean score ranged from 1.48 to 1.57, it
revealed that respondents of both nuclear and joint families are not concerned about the
health hazards of indiscriminate disposal of wastes. Hence the hypothesis which stated that
"there existed no significant differences in the opinion of different families on solid waste
management with respect to the state of environment in Shillong" was confirmed
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Management system.
opinion of the respondents on "indiscriminate disposal of waste has not created any health
hazards in the community" on analysis of their mean item scores based on different
occupational groups viz. Private vs Others and Professional employees vs Other employees
whereas significant differences in opinion was found between Government vs Private
employees, Government vs Professional employees, Government vs Other employees and
Private vs Professional employees. It revealed that there was difference of opinion of the
different category of employees on "indiscriminate disposal of waste is a health hazard".
Again the mean item scores of the different occupational groups varied from 2.10 to 1.43.
This indicated that people of different occupational groups are not aware of the evil effects
of indiscriminate disposal of waste. Hence the hypothesis-6 which stated that "there exists
no significant differences in the opinion of different occupational groups on solid waste
management" was confirmed in case of Private vs Others and Professional employees vs
Other employees indicating the partial acceptance of hypothesis-6 with respect to item-75
Item 76: Protection of the Environment and Health of People in Solid Waste
Management is the responsibility of concerned Authorities:
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "protection of the
environment and health of the people in solid waste management is the responsibility of
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concerned authorities" as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores. Further as the
mean score ranged from 2.28 to 2.47, it revealed that respondents of both nuclear and joint
families don't blame the authorities of solid waste management system for protection of
the health and environment. Hence the hypothesis which stated that "there existed no
significant differences in the opinion of different families on solid waste management with
respect to the state of environment in Shillong" was confirmed indicating the acceptance of
the hypothesis-6 with respect to item-76 of the Solid Waste Management system.
opinion of the respondents on "protection of the environment and health of people in solid
waste management is the responsibility of concerned authorities" on analysis of their
mean item scores based on different occupational groups viz. Government vs Private
employees, Government vs Other employees, and Private vs Other employees whereas
significant differences in opinion was found between Government vs Professional
employees, Private vs Professional employees and Professional vs Other employees. It
revealed that there was difference of opinion of the different category of employees on
"protection of the environment and health of people in solid waste management is the
responsibility of concerned authorities". Again the mean item scores of the different
occupational groups don't lay the responsibility on the authorities for the environment and
health of the people with reference to solid waste management". Hence the hypothesis-6
which stated that "there exists no significant differences in the opinion of different
occupational groups on solid waste management" was confirmed in case of Government vs
Private employees, Government vs Other employees, and Private vs Other employees

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indicating the partial acceptance ofhypothesis-6 with respect to item-76 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
Item 77: Improper Collection and Disposal of Waste is affecting the Health of the
Family:
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "improper collection
and disposal of waste is affecting the health of the family" as evident from the analysis of
the mean item scores. Further as the mean score ranged from 1. 92 to 2.11, it revealed that
respondents of both nuclear and joint families don't blame the authorities of solid waste
management system for improper collection and disposal of waste and they are of the
opinion that it in no way affects the health of the family Hence the hypothesis which stated
that "there existed no significant differences in the opinion of different families on solid
waste management with respect to the state of environment in Shillong" was confirmed
Management system.
opinion of the respondents on "improper collection and disposal of waste is affecting the
health of the family" on analysis of their mean item scores based on different occupational
groups viz. Government vs Professional employees, Government vs Other employees,
Private vs Professional employees, Private vs Other employees and Professional vs Other
employees where as significant differences in opinion was found in case of Govemment vs
Private employees. Again the mean item scores of the different occupational groups varied
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from 1.83 to 2.15. This indicated that health of the people are not affected due to improper
collection and disposal of wastes in Shillong. Hence the hypothesis-6 which stated that
"there exists no significant differences in the opinion of different occupational groups on
solid waste management" was confirmed in case of Government vs Professional
employees, Government vs Other employees, Private vs Professional employees, Private
vs Other employees and Professional vs Other employees and was rejected in case of
Government vs Private employees, indicating the partial acceptance of hypothesis-6 with
respect to item-77 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 78: Solid Waste collected in the Locality gives Foul Smell and Odour:
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "solid waste collected
in the locality gives foul smell and odour" as evident from the analysis of the mean item
scores. Further as the mean score ranged from 1. 75 to 1.95, it revealed that respondents of
both nuclear and joint families don't feel that the solid waste collected in the locality gives
foul smell and odour. Hence the hypothesis which stated that "there existed no significant
differences in the opinion of different families on solid waste management with respect to
the state of environment in Shillong" was confirmed the acceptance of the hypothesis-6
opinion of the respondents on "solid waste collected in the locality gives foul smell and
odour" on analysis of their mean item scores based on different occupational groups viz.
Government vs Private employees, Government vs Professional employees, Private vs

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Professional employees, Professional vs Other employees and Professional vs Other
employees whereas significant differences in opinion was found between Government vs
Other employees and Private vs Other employees. Again the mean item scores of the
different occupational groups varied from 1.81 to 2.31. This indicated that there was
minimal problem of foul smell and odour of solid waste in the collection process. Hence
the hypothesis 6 which stated that "there exists no significant differences in the opinion of
different occupational groups on solid waste management" was .confirmed in case of
Government vs Private employees, Government vs Professional employees, Private vs
Professional, Professional vs Other employees and Professional vs Other employees and
was rejected in case of Government vs Other employees and Private vs Other employees
indicating the partial acceptance of hypothesis-6 with respect to item-78 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
Item 79: Open Dumping is Unacceptable from Aesthetic, Environmental and

Sanitary Point of View:
Analysis of item- 79 revealed that there exist no significant differences in the
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "open dumping is
unacceptable from aesthetic, environmental and sanitary point of view" as evident from the
analysis of the mean item scores. Further as the mean score ranged from 4.19 to 4.40, it
revealed that respondents of both nuclear and joint families do feel against open dumping
of generated solid waste from aesthetic environment and sanitation point of view. Hence
the hypothesis which stated that "there existed no significant differences in the opinion of
different families on solid waste management with respect to the state of environment in
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Shillong" was confirmed indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-6 with respect to
opinion of the respondents on "open dumping is unacceptable from aesthetic,
environmental and sanitary point of view" on analysis of their mean item scores based on
different occupational groups viz. Government vs Private employees, Government vs
Professional employees, Government vs Other employees, Private vs Professional
employees, Private vs Other employees and Professional vs Other employees. It revealed
that there was no difference of opinion of the different category of employees on "open
dumping is unacceptable from aesthetic, environmental and sanitary point of view". Again
the mean item scores of the different occupational groups varied from 4.19 to 4.37. This
indicated that people of different occupational groups are highly conscious about open
dumping of wastes from aesthetic, environmental and sanitary point of view". Hence the
hypothesis-6 which stated that "there exists no significant differences in the opinion of
different occupational groups on solid waste management" viz. Government vs Private
employees, Government vs Professional employees, Government vs Other employees,
Private vs Professional employees, Private vs Other employees and Professional vs Other
employees indicating the acceptance of hypothesis-6 with respect to item-79 of the Solid
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4. 7 Discussions of the Results:
4.7.1
The hypothesis- I of the study with respect to the respondents of various regions
(NE, NW, SE and SW) was confirmed with respect to item 17 and 18 of objective- I.
The hypothesis- I of the study with respect to the respondents of various regions
(NE, NW, SE and SW) was partially confirmed with respect to item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 19 of objective- I.
4.7.2
The hypothesis-2 of the study with respect to the respondents of various income
groups (LIG, MIG and RIG) was confirmed with respect to item 20, 22, 23, 24, 28, 30, 31,
34 and 35 of objective-2.
The hypothesis-2 of the study with respect to the respondents of various income
groups (LIG, MIG and IDG) was partially confirmed with respect to item 21, 25, 26, 27,
29, 32 and 33 of objective-2.
4.7.3
The hypothesis-3 of the study with respect to educational qualification of the
respondents was confirmed with respect to item 36, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45 of
objective-3.
The hypothesis-3 of the study with respect to educational qualifications of the
respondents was partially confirmed with respect to item 37 and 39 ofobjective-3.
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4.7.4
The hypothesis-4 of the study with respect to the residential areas of the
respondents was confirmed with respect to item 46, 47, 48, 50, 55, 57 and 58 of objective-
4.
The hypothesis-4 of the study with respect to the residential areas of the
respondents was partially confirmed with respect to item 49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56 and 59 of
objective-4.
4.7.5
The hypothesis-5 of the study with respect to sex ofthe respondents was confirmed
with respect to item 64, 65, 66, 67 and 68 and was rejected with respect to item 60, 61, 62
and 63 of objective-S.
The hypothesis-5 of the study with respect to the age group of the respondents was
partially confirmed with respect to item 60, 61, 62, 64, 65, 66 and 68 and was confirmed
with respect to item 63 and 67 of objective-S.
4.7.6
The hypothesis-6 of the study with respect to the type of families of the
respondents was confirmed with respect to item 69, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76; 77. 78 and 79
and was rejected with respect to item 60 of objective-6.
The hypothesis-6 of the study with respect to the occupational group of the
respondents was confirmed with respect to item 69, 70, 72, 74 and 79 and was partially
confirmed with respect to item 71, 73, 75, 76 and 78 ofobjective-6.

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4.8 Suggestion:
Objective-1 (Practices):
The review of literature revealed that solid waste management systems adopted in
Indian cities are highly inefficient, outdated and lacking public participation. Overall
public apathy is observed in almost all the cities in the matter of handling and disposal of
Municipal waste. A system of throwing garbage in the streets by citizens and local bodies
collecting the waste from the streets and disposing it in the most unhygienic manner is in
vogue. Solid waste management in the city of Shillong as far as practices are concerned, is
viewed from the significant functional elements from the point of generation to final
disposal. This comprises of solid waste generation, waste handling and segregation,
storage and processing at source, collection, transportation and disposal at the household
and community level. The separations of functional elements are important because it
allows the development of a framework i.e. to evaluate the impact of existing practices and
propose changes for future management. The study has highlighted several inadequacies at
all stages and recognizes the need and urgency to evolve a proper mechanism and systems
for interaction in the Management of Solid Wastes.
Source Reduction - although not controlled by solid waste managers, is now included in
systems evaluations as a method of limiting the quantity of waste generated. Source
reduction is the most effective way to reduce the quantity of waste, the cost associated with
its handling, and its environmental impact. Waste minimization or reduction at source is
the most desirable activity, because the community does not incur expenditure for waste
handling, recycling and disposal of waste that is never created and delivered to the waste
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management system. To reduce the amount of waste generated at the source, the most
practical and promising methods would be:
( 1) The adoption of industry standards for product manufacturing and packaging that
use less material. Waste reduction may occur through the design, manufacture and
packaging of products with minimum toxic content, minimum volume of material,
and a longer useful life. It is now well recognized that sustainable development can
only be achieved if society in general and industry in particular, produces "more
with less" i.e. more goods and services with less use of resources (raw materials
and energy) and less pollution and waste. Efforts must be made to reduce the
quantity of materials used in both packaging and obsolescent goods and to begin
the process of recycling at the source so that fewer materials become part of the
disposable solid waste of a community. Source reduction is an alternative that will
conserve resources and also has economic viability.
(2) The levying (by community) of cess/fees for waste management services that
penalize generators in case of increase ofwaste quantities.
(3) Waste reduction may also occur at the household level through selective buying
patterns and the reuse of products and materials. Product consumption is a natural
activity. Society changes a standard of living by changing the quantity and quality
of products it consumes. Solid wastes, the discards of product consumption, vary in
quantity and quality as changes occur in the standard of living. Consumption habits
must be changed if the quantity of SW from consuming activities is to be reduced.
The challenge is to change consumption habits that have been established over
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many years, as a result of advertising pressure and glamorizes increased
consumption.
(4) The passing of laws that mtmmtze the use of virgin materials in consumer
products. Modifications in product packaging standards can result in reduction of
waste packaging material or use of recyclable materials. Minimization of use of
virgin raw materials by the manufacturing industry can promote substitution by
recycled materials. Sorting at source, recycling at source and processing at source
can help in waste minimization.
Waste Handling, Sorting, Storage and Processing at Source: Waste handling and
sorting involves the activities associated with management of wastes until they are placed
in storage containers for collection. Handling also encompasses the movement of loaded
containers to the point of collection. The waste should normally be stored at the source of
waste generation till collected for its disposal. Separation of waste components is an
important step in the handling and storage of Solid Waste at source. From the standpoint of
materials specifications and revenues from the sale of recovered materials, the best place to
separate waste materials for reuse and recycling is at the source of generation. The
separation of solid waste components at the source of generation is one of the most
positive and effective ways to achieve the recovery and reuse of materials. The
effectiveness of residential waste separation depends on the type of system used for the
collection of separate wastes. Waste separation at the source is an essential activity in an
integrated solid waste management system. The driving force for choosing a source
separation option is threefold: improved effectiveness of recycling, improved quality of the

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recovered materials and decreased costs of landfills. Material recycling can occur through
sorting of waste into different streams at the source or at a centralized facility. Sorting at
source is more economical than sorting at a centralized facility. The storage of waste,
wherever practiced, should synchronise with primary collection system. Most people store
waste in buckets, plastic bins, plastic bags and metal bins. By and large such bins used are
without lids. These are unsuitable for storage of food waste for 24 hours as waste starts
stinking very fast due to putrefaction. For keeping streets, footpaths, open spaces, public
places, rivers and drains clean, it is necessary that waste producers cooperate and
effectively participate in the waste management efforts of local bodies. People, therefore,
should be educated to form a habit of storing waste at source in their personal bin/bins and
deposit such waste into the Municipal system only, at specified times. The waste at source
should be stored in 2-3 covered bins/ bags, one for food waste/biodegradable and another
for recyclable waste such as papers, plastic, metal, glass, rags etc. Use of a non-corrosive
container with lid is advised for the storage of food/biodegradable/wet waste. A container
of 15 litre capacity for a family of five members would ordinarily be adequate. However, a
household may keep larger containers or more than one container to store the waste
produced in 24 hours having a spare capacity of 100% to meet unforeseen extra loads. Wet
wastes should preferably not be disposed of in plastic carry bags. In the United States of
America a number of communities use a collection system in which three containers are
used for recycled materials in addition to one or more containers for non-recyclable
materials. In the three container system, newspaper is placed in one container. Aluminium
cans, glass and plastics are placed in the second container. The remaining wastes are
placed in the third container. In another system, four containers are used. All paper and
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cardboard materials are placed in one container. All plastics, glass, tin cans, aluminium and
any other metals are placed in a second container. Garden wastes are placed in the third
container and all remaining waste materials are placed in the fourth container.
Realistically, this practice is totally absent in Shillong Municipal area. Private gardens
should as far as possible compost and reuse all plant waste on-site. Where it is not possible
to dispose of garden waste within the premises and the waste is required to be disposed of
outside the premises, it should be stored in large bags or bins on-site and transferred into a
municipal system on a weekly payment basis.
Collection: The functional element of collection includes not only the gathering of solid
wastes and recyclable materials, but also the transport of these materials after collection, to
the location where the collection vehicle is emptied. There are different practices for waste
collection across the world from door-to-door collection to dumping at the nearest
dumping site or community collection points. The term collection includes not only the
gathering or picking up of solid wastes from the various sources, but also the hauling of
those wastes to the location where the contents of the collection vehicles are emptied.
Typically, collection is provided under various management arrangements, ranging from
Municipal services to franchised private services conducted under various forms of
contracts. Collection accounts for almost 50% of the total annual cost of urban solid waste
management.
(1) The Municipality should provide daily waste collection service to all households,
shops and establishments for collection of putrescible organic waste from the
doorstep or from community bins. This service must be regular and reliable.
Recyclables can be collected at longer intervals as may be convenient to the waste

292
producer and the waste collector, as this waste does not normally decay and need not
be collected daily. Hazardous waste need not be collected from the doorstep. People
should be advised or directed to deposit such waste in special bins created for the
purpose.
(2) The size of the community bins should match with the waste generated by the
growing number of households. The structures should be systematically constructed
to make provisions for segregation. In the absence of covered bins, Public health
authorities have shown that rodents, flies and other disease vectors breed in open
dumps as well in poorly constructed Community bins.
(3) The system of door-to-door collection which is hardly practiced should be introduced.
In the absence of door-step-collection, the disposal of waste is done haphazardly
without any concern for health and hygiene. Many cities in India have now initiated
the door-to-door collection of garbage. Municipalities across the country have started
to invite proposals for door-to-door collection of waste and transportation of the same
to designated locations. In door-to- door collection, trolleys have to be purchased,
funds have to be allocated for salaries and protective gear such as shoes and gloves.
Unemployed youths of the area can get jobs. In door-to-door collection, households
should be asked to pay a nominal sum of Rs.20 - Rs. 30 per month for disposal of
their garbage. The money collected from the localities should be utilized for payment
to drivers, collectors of garbage and for the cost of conveyance.
(4) In slums, because of lack of access or due to narrow lanes, it may not be convenient
to introduce house-to-house collection system, community bins of suitable size
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should be placed at suitable locations by the Municipality to facilitate the storage
generated by them.
(5) The solid waste collected from the doorsteps or from the community bins through the
primary collection system needs to be unloaded and stored at convenient places for its
onward transportation in a cost-effective manner. Temporary waste storage depots
which synchronise with primary collection and transportation system are therefore
required to be located at suitable sites.
Transfer and Transport: The functional element of transfer and transport involves two
steps ( 1) the transfer of wastes from the smaller collection vehicle to the larger transport
equipment and (2) the subsequent transport of the wastes usually over long distances to a
processing or disposal site. There should be synchronization between primary collection
and transportation of waste. Transportation of waste has to be planned scientifically to
bring about a total change in the existing system. Manual loading should be discouraged
and phased out expeditiously and replaced by direct lifting of containers through hydraulic
system or non-hydraulic devices. Transportation of waste should be done regularly to
ensure that the containers/community bins sites are cleared before they start overflowing.
The system of transportation of waste must also synchronize with bulk storage of waste at
the temporary waste storage depots. Motor vehicles are most commonly used.
Composting: Composting is one of the methods of waste utilization. It is defined as the
decomposition of heterogeneous organic matter by a mixed microbial population in the
moist, warm and aerobic environment. (1) In case of individual households, vermi-
composting can also be practiced. It involves the stabilization of organic solid waste
through earthworm consumption for conversion of the organic material to worm casting.
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(2) The design and construction of a full scale mechanical compost plant for Municipal
solid waste is also appreciable. The compost thus prepared can be sold directly to farmers
as raw or green compost.
Separation, Processing and Transformation: The recovery of separated materials, the
separation and processing of Solid Waste components and transformation of solid waste
that occurs primarily in locations away from the source of waste generation are
encompassed by the fourth functional element. The separation and processing of wastes
that have been separated at the source and the separation of commingled wastes usually
occur at a materials recovery facility, transfer stations, combustion facilities and disposal
sites. Centralized sorting is needed wherever recyclable materials are collected in a
commingled (mixed) state. Processing often includes the separation of bulky items,
separation of waste components by size using screens, manual separation of waste
components, size reduction by shredding, separation of ferrous metals using magnets,
volume reduction by compaction and combustion. The organic fraction of MSW can be
transformed by a variety of chemical and biological processes. The most commonly used
chemical transformation process is combustion, which is used in conjunction with the
recovery of energy in the form of heat. The most commonly used biological transformation
is aerobic composting and anaerobic composting. In the aerobic process the utilizable
product is compost. In the anaerobic process, the utilizable product is methane gas (for
energy recovery). In India, aerobic composting plants have been used to process up to 500
tons per day of waste. Mechanized sorting facilities using magnetic and electric field
separation, density separation, pneumatic separation and other techniques are used in some
developed countries. Such facilities are usually prohibitively expensive in comparison to

295
hand sorting. In India, centralized sorting is not adopted. However, some intermediate
sorting does occur after household wastes reach community collection bins through rag
pickers. There is a need to formalize this intermediate sorting system or develop a
centralized sorting facility to minimize recyclable materials reaching a waste processing
facility or a landfill. Home sorting and centralized sorting processes normally recover most
ofthe recyclable materials for reuse.
Energy Recovery: Solid waste contains organic as well as inorganic matter. The latent
energy present in its organic fraction can be recovered for gainful utilization through
adoption of suitable Waste processing and treatment technologies. Energy can be
recovered from the organic fraction of waste basically through two methods - ( 1) Thermo-
chemical conversion process which entails thermal decomposition of organic matter to
produce either heat energy or fuel oil or gas. The main technological options under this
category include incineration and pyrolysis/gasification. (2) Bio-chemical conversion
process based on enzymatic decomposition of organic matter by microbial action to
produce methane gas or alcohol. The main technological options under this category is
Anaerobic digestion also referred to as Biomethanation.
Recycling: Recycling is an important factor in helping to reduce the demand on resources
and the amount of waste requiring disposal by landfilling. Recycling involves (1) the
separation and collection of waste materials (2) the preparation ofthese materials for reuse,
reprocessing and remanufacture and (3) the reuse, reprocessing, and remanufacture of
these materials.
Disposal: Today the disposal of wastes by landfilling or land spreading is the ultimate fate
of all solid wastes, whether they are residential wastes collected and transported directly to
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landfill site, residual matters from materials recovery facilities, residue from the
combustion of Solid Waste, compost or other substances from various Solid Waste
processing facilities. For this reason, every effort must be made to reduce the toxicity of
the wastes that will ultimately be placed in landfills. The design of landfills must also
improve to provide the safest possible location for the long term storage of waste materials.
With an expended data base comes the opportunity to understand how landfills function
and how to manage the wastes placed in landfills. Three types of landfills should be
adopted. Sanitary landfills in which Municipal waste should be placed, Landfills where
only hazardous waste are disposed and Monofills where only a single type of waste is
placed e.g. construction waste. In a landfill, sorting may be carried out by ragpickers
immediately after spreading of a layer of waste. Wherever manual sorting is adopted, care
must be taken to ensure that sorters are protected from all disease pathways and work in
hygienic conditions.
Drains: In Shillong there are open surface drains beside the road, into which quite often
the sweepers and the public dispose off waste unauthorizedly. These drains need to be
cleaned on a regular basis to permit free flow of waste water. Action should be taken to
ensure that sweepers and citizens do not dispose off any waste into drains. Necessary tools
should be provide to drain cleaners. The periodicity of cleaning such drains should be
worked out based on the conditions and frequency of clogging of drains. Strictures should
be enforced for random disposal of wastes on drains, streams and vacant land.
Rag Pickers: Rag pickers can play a key role in the management of garbage. They work
day and night on the garbage dump sites to collect the recyclable materials. Rag pickers
were quite often seen around waste receptacles/ community bins/ rummaging nvers,
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streams and drains engaged in picking up waste materials of some use. These rag pickers
are exposed to health risks as they use their bare hands in contaminated waste. They sell
contaminated waste to the waste purchasers stored in slums creating unhygienic
conditions. Quite often they spread the waste at the dustbin site to pick up recyclables. This
system can be improved by introducing a system of collecting recyclable waste from the
doorsteps changing the role of ragpickers to that of waste collectors. NGOs may be
activated to organize the ragpickers and convert them into doorstep waste collectors to
improve their quality of life and to reduce their health risks. This will also increase their
income levels. The ragpickers may also be given identity cards by the NGOs for increasing
their acceptability in society. The NGOs may also support the ragpickers by giving them
bags and tools required for collection of recyclable waste from the doorstep.
Objective-2 (Perception):
The perception of the people in general regarding the management of solid waste is low.
There has been no major effort to create community awareness on the simple steps that
every citizen can take, which will help in reducing waste generation and promote effective
ways of disposing the waste generated. The degree of community sensitization and public
awareness is low in almost all the urban places in India. This is an indication that education
of public representatives and the public is a vital and integral part of any solid waste
management plans.
( 1) Public awareness is an important activity in solid waste management to keep the
system sustainable. The information related to public awareness are necessary for
creating a sustainable system. Public awareness and effective community

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participation is the key to the success of solid waste management. The agency
conducting the planning should initiate information and education program early
in the plan formulation stages, and the public information plan should continue
through implementation of the entire plan.
(2) People's perception on the various issues of solid waste management from source
generation, handling, segregation, collection and disposal can be enhance through
proper information, awareness and education programs. Group education through
group meetings, workshops, exhibitions, lecture series, panel discussions, Mass
education through the use of electronic and print media, street plays, poster
campaigns, Pamphlets, hoardings, involvement of religious leaders, NCC, NSS ,
Scouts and Guides could accelerate the dissemination process on solid waste
management.
(3) School curriculum should cover the aspect of solid waste management in the
subject of moral science or social studies. Since habit formation at an early age is
an established fact, it is therefore necessary to educate young children when they
are in primary school to form good habits in managing waste.
(4) The government and local body should select representative samples of the
community and go through a consultative process to ascertain the perceptions of
the people about the SWM services being given to them, their expectations and
extent to which they are willing to support and participate in the process. Their
choice of technological options available also needs to be ascertained. The key to
success of any public education, awareness and motivation program is to provide
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as many ways as possible, with policy makers, to seek clarification of doubts,
share ideas or give suggestions which should be constructively followed.
(5) Many NGOs are committed to improve SWM practices and perception in order to
protect the environment. Some also have developed good mass communication
skills and education programs for the public. Such NGOs may be persuaded to
actively support the strategies adopted by the local body and associate in public
awareness campaigns.
(6) While all efforts should be made to educate the people to effectively participate in
the management of waste, they also need to be told that they can be penalized if
they fail to discharge their civic duties. The provision of penalties may be made
known to the people and details of those punished should be publicized widely to
deter others.
Objective-3 (Role of Dorbars):
The existence of the local traditional institutions or the Dorbar Shnongs has been a
boon in the governance and administration of a locality. In fact, many ofthe Governmental
schemes, if not all has been implemented by these institutions.
( 1) The traditional Dorbar Shnongs should be given statutory powers to become more
effective as guardians of the public. The traditional institutions can serve as an
important linkage between the different levels of governance for the implementation
of various schemes and projects including the management of solid wastes. The
Government as well as Local body should work in close coordination with these
traditional institutions. The local dorbars which are institutions of grassroots

300
democracy has an outreach service at the ward level through which it can interact with
the people on almost all important issues.
(2) With suitable amendments of the 74th amendment and the Municipal Act, the current
tangle over the Municipal elections could be resolved by electing the headmen of the
local dorbars as ward Commissioners. This will not dilute the role and functions of
traditional heads which is already in existence with the Shillong Municipal Board.
(3) The government should provide ample scope for the dissemination of IEC programs
through the active involvement and participation of the local dorbars. Though, most
of the Dorbar lack the expertise in the proper handling and management of wastes,
their effort to maintain cleanliness in the localities is appreciable.
(4) The government should support the initiative taken by local dorbars as far as
strictures, rules and regulations are concerned. If the dorbars are given more teeth,
there will definitely be an improvement in the overall management of solid waste in
the community. By and large, the public have been quite responsive to the initiative of
the dorbars; therefore, strengthening the functioning of these institutions will pay
dividends. (5) Owing to the growing population and increased urbanization coupled
with the complexity of managing urban problems, the local dorbars should have a
body that will cater specifically only to the management of solid wastes.
(5) The annual cleaning day in the different localities of Shillong organized by the local
dorbars should be made a more regular feature with the help and support of the
Government and the Municipality.
(6) The construction of Community bins should be done under the supervision of the
local dorbars to ensure participatory approach in the maintenance of such bins.

301
(7) The sanitation aspect is should be properly address by the Dorbars by evolving proper
techniques and approach according to the demand of the situation. Unlike the
Government which is armed with legal machinery and instruments, local Dorbars
initiative is based more on voluntary response and acceptability. Generally, citizens
comply with the rules and regulations framed by the Dorbars as a collective action
and not because of the penalty imposed by the local institutions. The decision of the
dorbar may or may not be binding to the public but any violation or defiance on the
part of the citizens is seen as a sign of disrespect to the collective consciousness.
Certain conventions may not have the rule of law but conformity to the shared
decision is considered to be imperative.
Objective-4 (Role of Municipality):
Solid waste management is one of the essential obligatory functions of the urban
local bodies in India. Local bodies in the country are governed by various laws enacted by
their respective legislatures. The Shillong Municipality do not have adequate provision for
ensuring appropriate solid waste management systems with the result outdated systems
continue affecting the quality of life of the people. The service is falling too short of the
desired level of efficiency and satisfaction resulting in problems of health, sanitation and
environmental degradation. The study revealed that local body lack technical, managerial,
administrative and adequate institutional arrangements. Due to lack of serious efforts,
garbage and its management has become a tenacious problem and this notwithstanding the
fact that the largest part ofMunicipal expenditure is allotted to it.
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(1) The Shillong Municipality should have a Municipal Solid Waste Management
Plan. The plan should be a written document outlining the activities that the civic
body intends to undertake during the life-span of the plan, coupled with a set of
directives for achieving the objectives within a given time frame. Planning is the
conscious process for meeting future requirement and objectives with full
consideration of any likely contingencies. The planning process should recognize
the problem that exists, collect and analyze data about these problems. assess the
situation in the light of the analyzed data, suggest actions for corrective measures
and accomplishment of objectives, evolve suitable strategy for implementation
with respect to time frame and evaluate the actions taken in light of their success
or failure in achieving the objectives and modification of the plan, if need be, to
meet changing conditions.
(2) When developing the solid waste management plan, the Shillong Municipality
should take into consideration all sorts of influences that must be considered. Such
influences include political, administrative, legal, social, financial factors and
available technology. A specialized inter-disciplinary staff engaged in the
development of the Plan should play a key role in supplying information and
expert evaluation for alternative solutions and implementing the plan.
(3) The essence of planning is coordination. Planning requires resolution of
conflicting interests, allocation of available funds and other resources, inter-
governmental and inter-departmental cooperation and establishment of priorities.
(4) Prior to conducting the planning, the Municipality should initiate an IEC
programme early in the formulation stages and the public information plan should
303
continue through implementation ofthe entire plan. Print and electronic media can
play a vital role in creating awareness and educating the public.
( 5) The local body should formulate and notify a policy that no waste shall be
disposed of on the streets, open spaces, drains, water bodies etc and instead the
recyclable and other biodegradable shall be stored separately at the source of waste
generation and shall be handed over to the waste collectors as per the
arrangements that may be notified by the local body from time to time.
(6) The Municipal authority is supposed to notify waste collection schedule and the
likely method to be adopted for public benefit. Instant service delivery requires
some drastic innovations in the way services were being provided to the citizens. It
also meant coming out of the mindset of limiting the Municipality to providing
routine services only but to develop a broader vision of the needs of the citizens.
This meant not only cleaning the city but also adding the aesthetic values to it. For
the maintenance of health and sanitation in Shillong, it is necessary that this
service be provided round the year.
(7) The Local body, as a policy, should provide SWM services such as sweeping of
streets, primary collection of waste and disposal of waste on all the days of the
year including Sundays and Public holidays.
(8) The local bodies must make a policy and make serious endeavour to affect cost
recovery for the services being provided at the doorstep to the households.
(9) The local bodies should also frame a policy of providing community bins for the
storage of waste or daily door-to-door collection service in the slums to ensure
304
sanitary conditions in the slums irrespective their legal or illegal status in the city
to maintain overall public health and sanitation.
( 10) The local body as a policy should provide adequate training to the staff in SWM
services and arrange for short term and refresher courses for updating the
knowledge of the supervisory staff to maintain the high standard of service. The
welfare of the staff engaged in handling of SW need to be given adequate
protection and health care facilities.
( 11) The local body should draw up a citizens charter and create a system to register
public grievances in all the wards and set up a mechanism for expeditious
redressal of grievances through decentralized municipal administration.
(12) While all efforts may be made to build awareness among the community for public
participation in SWM services, a mechanism for enforcement should be
simultaneously created to discipline the citizens who do not adhere to the
directions of the urban local body.
Objective-S (Role of Government):
As per the constitution of India, Solid waste Management is a state subject and it is
the primary responsibility of state governments to ensure that appropriate solid waste
management practices are introduced. The role of Government of India is broadly to
formulate policy guidelines and provide technical assistance to the states whenever needed.
It also assists the state governments and local bodies in human resource development and
acts as an intermediary in mobilizing external assistance for implementation of solid waste
management projects. Though SWM is a state subject, it is basically a Municipal function

305
and as such urban local bodies are directly responsible for performing this important
function.
( 1) The state government should frame appropriate policies to guide the local
bodies and take a lead role in activating the local bodies to perform their
obligatory duties effectively. The state should also support the local bodies
through legislative measures to enable the local body to perform better. The
state should make suitable legislative changes in the local laws and provide the
legal framework of proper management of Solid wastes.
(2) The government should have adequate provision for enforcement of sanitation
laws and rules. This will facilitate the enforcement of directions that may be
given by the local urban bodies from time to time to the citizens for managing
their waste as prescribed and would also compel the local bodies to perform by
providing adequate services.
(3) The government should develop a solid waste management plan in accordance
with its priorities for the environment and the ability of state residents to
contribute to the costs of management.
(4) The government should also promote financial health of the urban local body
to meet obligatory duties. Merely giving power to local bodies to impose taxes
have not yielded results. Several local bodies are shy of imposing adequate
taxes resulting in inadequacy of services in urban areas. The state government
may, therefore, prescribe a minimum amount of property tax per square metre
of property, the local body shall impose or levy from the property holder or
take some percentage of the value of the property or rent derived as property
306
tax, which may generate adequate income to the urban local body to meet their
constitutional obligations. The Urban local body is also required to be directed
not to spend their funds on non-essential activities till it adequately meet the
demand on obligatory duties. Government may assess the need of the urban
local body, its capability, compliance to government directions to raise revenue
and then extend financial support to it for procurement of vehicles and
equipment to improve solid waste management practices.
(5) Government may also link fiscal incentives with performance and provide
facility of long term loans for modernization of solid waste management
practices to enable them to repay the loan easily.
(6) Government may also provide technical assistance to local bodies for preparing
project proposals for availing loans from World Bank, ADB and other national
and international financial institutions.
(7) The state government may declare a policy to promote industries for recycling
of Municipal solid waste and also direct government organizations and local
bodies to purchased recycled products to encourage such industries. The State
government through their agriculture department may propagate use of
compost made from municipal solid waste after being satisfied that the
products meets the necessary standards for the application on farm lands.
(8) Private sector participation in management of Municipal solid waste is crucial.
The state government may permit and encourage private sector participation in
SWM services without affecting the interest of existing manpower deployed by
the urban local body. In many states in India, different forms of participation
307
have been designed with varymg levels of responsibility and cost sharing
between private and public agencies.
(9) The State Government may develop appropriate information, education and
communication material (IEC) according to the local needs and take up state-
wide awareness campaign and help the urban local bodies to build public
awareness in the city and promote the principle of 'Reduce, Reuse and
Recycle'.
(1 0) The government should take initiative in providing suitable waste land for
treatment facility and disposal of waste to the m:ban local body. The land for
the disposal could be given for a period till the land so given is reclaimed
through sanitary land filling and government may take back the land, after the
same is appropriately reclaimed.
( 11) The government should promote energy recovery, power generation etc from
municipal solid waste. The government may support proven technologies for
power generation from MSW by granting licenses and making power purchase
agreements at the rates that may be affordable to power producers keeping in
view the social benefits derived from such activity besides power generation.
(12) The absence of collective responsibility handicaps the smooth implementation
of the defined goals and objectives of the government. The Public works
Department, the Pollution Control Board, the Meghalaya Urban Development
agency (MUDA), the Health Department as well as the District administration
should have a close networking and coordination for smooth implementation of
solid waste management functions.

308
(13) The state government may arrange workshops and seminars on solid waste
management and exposure visits to foreign countries and within the country for
imparting knowledge and training to the officials handling solid waste
management and decision making.
Objective-6 (Health, Sanitation and Environment):
Municipal solid waste management activities have a potential to cause air, water
and land pollution besides affecting aesthetics and creating health hazards which again has
a potential to cause disease or infirmity.
1. The government should insist on Environmental and Health Impact Assessment at
all stages of Solid waste management. EHIA should involve the identification of
environmental and health hazards, interpretation of environmental and health risks
and also the management of environmental and health risks.
2. Environmental and health risk management should include both health safeguards
and mitigation measures. Project monitoring and health surveillance are also
required and should be ensured as apart of operation and maintenance of Municipal
Solid waste management.
3. Waste identification is an important tool of waste control programme. The
necessity of segregation at the point of generation, prior to storage, transportation,
treatment and disposal is essential. This would help in easy identification of the
various components of health care waste. All containers bearing hazardous material
must be adequately labeled and colour coded.
309
4. The collection containers should be sturdy, leak-proof and of adequate size. There
should be no sharp edges or corners, especially in metallic bins. It is preferable that

the container and bins used for collection should be of closed type so that the waste
is not exposed and thus preventing the spread of disease through flies and
mosquitoes. The collection system should be properly supervised so that quick and
regular removal of waste from the dustbin is practiced.
5. The Staff of the Shillong Municipality handling solid wastes are continuously at
risk during their working hours. Therefore it is essential that adequate protection
measures be provided against occupational health hazards. Proper equipments and
protection gears should be provided to workers engaged in SWM. Necessary first
aid facilities should be provided to the ground staff. The State Health authority
should also take the responsibility for health and sanitation aspects of SWM.
6. The Municipality should have sufficient number of vehicles to ensure regular
transportation of waste. The waste is generally seen lying in heaps or scattered at
the unscientifically designed dust bins giving unsightly appearance besides causing
nuisance and unhygienic conditions. Trucks loaded with garbage should be covered
properly so as to avoid the emanation of fowl smell and nuisance to public.
7. Open dumping of waste in open spaces within residential areas should be
prohibited. Infrequent collection and rapid decomposition of wastes provide an
attractive feeding and breeding site for flies, rats and other scavengers. If waste is
allowed to accumulate, vectors and pathogens also multiply.
8. Ragpickers or human scavengers should be featured and not ignored in urban
project plans as they also form an important segment in the management of solid
310
waste. These people live and work under extensive health risks, which are largely
undocumented and suffer severe exploitation and deprivation. Health and welfare
facilities are required for these human scavengers.
9. The soil cover should be applied over the compacted waste at the disposal site. The
cover will prevent breeding of disease vectors and escape of gases of
decomposition, minimize leaching, suppress foul odour and provide better
aesthetics. Continuous monitoring of ground water quality adjoining the landfill
site should be carried out.
10. In order to rank environmental and health risks associated with environmental and
health hazards it would be appropriate to construct a project profile. The three main
sub-components that should be considered are identification of vulnerable
communities, identify the environmental pathways by which the exposure to health
hazards may occur and identification of health protection agencies whose
responsibility is safeguarding the health of those involved in Solid waste
management.
Objective-7 (Interplay and Synchronisation of Waste Management):
1. The interrelationship between the functional elements in solid waste management
should be identified. By considering each functional element separately it is
possible to (a) identify the fundamental aspects and relationships involved in each
element and (b) to develop quantifiable relationships for the purpose of making
engineering comparisons, analyses and evaluations. The separation of functional
elements is important because it allows the development of a framework within

311
which we can evaluate the impact of existing practices and proposed changes and
future technological advancements. The ability to measure the impact of alternative
courses of action is vital in the management of these systems.
2. There should be proper measurement of solid waste generated and collected. This is
of critical importance because it will greatly help in selecting specific equipments
and designing of waste collection routes, materials recovery facilities and disposal
facilities. Information on the quantity of Municipal solid waste generated will also
be required to establish and assess the performance of mandated recycling
programs. The principal reason for measuring the quantities of solid waste
generated, separated for recycling and collected for further processing or disposal is
to obtain data that can be used to develop and implement effective solid waste
management programs. In predicting residential waste generation rates, the
measured rate seldom reflects the true rate. Most solid waste generation rates
reported are actually based on measurement of waste collected, not the actual
amount generated. The following methods which are commonly used can be
adopted to assess solid waste quantities are (a) load-count analysis- in this method,
the number of individual loads and the corresponding waste characteristics are
noted over a specific period (b) weight -volume analysis - is obtained by weighing
and measuring each load and (c) materials-balance analysis- by identifying all the
activities that affect the generation of wastes, rate of waste generation associated
with these activities and by using appropriate mathematical relationships,
determine the quantity of wastes generated, collected and stored.
312
3. The measurement of waste should also take into consideration the amount of solid
waste materials which are composted, burned in fireplaces, discharged to sewers,
given to charitable agencies, sold at market, recycled directly.
4. The handling and separation of waste at source is a critical step and one of the most
effective ways to achieve the recovery and reuse of materials. The residents should
be responsible for placing the segregated solid wastes components -both recyclable
and non-recyclable in three containers and transporting the same to the community
collection system. The number and types of components separated will depend on
the waste diversion goals established for the programme. The reuse and recycling
opportunities and the options available for the separation of materials will affect the
type of waste management programme implemented. Processing at source may take
place at any time before collection (before, during, or after storage). Home or
backyard composting is an effective way of reducing the volume and altering the
physical composition of solid wastes while at the same time producing a useful by-
product.
5. An appropriate system should be in place for the collection of solid wastes. This
should take into consideration the type of collection service, the type of equipments
used and the associated labour requirements. Door-to-door collection which is
environmentally sound is highly preferable as the benefits for waste recovery and
recycling is multi-productive. The wastes collected should then be emptied into
collection vehicles. Satellite vehicle collection system may be introduced before the
wastes is emptied into trucks by mechanical means.
313
6. Depending on the mode of operation, the collection system could be in two
categories (a) Hauled Container System (HCS) and (b) Stationary Container
System (SCS). In the former, the containers used for the storage of wastes are
hauled to the disposal site, emptied, and returned to their original location. In the
latter, the containers used for the storage of wastes remain at the point of
generation. Hauled containers are ideally suited for the removal of wastes from
sources where the rate of generation is high. The use of large containers reduces
handling time as well as the unsightly accumulations and unsanitary conditions
associated with the use of numerous smaller containers. The three main types of
hauled container systems that can be used are (a) hoist truck (b) tilt-frame container
and (c) trash trailer.
7. Manual loading methods should be employed in residential areas where the pickup
points are inaccessible to mechanized self-loading collection vehicles.
8. The transfer and transport of wastes should satisfy the following requirements (a)
wastes must be transported at minimum cost (b) Waste must be covered during the
haul operation (c) vehicles must be designed for highway traffic (d) vehicle
capacity must be such that the allowable weight limits are not exceeded and (e)
methods used for unloading must be simple and dependable.
9. Once equipment and labour requirements have been determined, collection routes
must be laid out so that both the collectors and equipment are used effectively.
Some heuristic guidelines that should be taken into consideration are - wastes
generated in traffic congested locations should be collected as early in the day as
possible, sources with extremely large quantities should be collected first, in hilly
314
areas like Shillong routes should start at the top of the grade and proceed downhill
as the vehicle becomes loaded and existing system characteristics such as crew size
and vehicle types must be coordinated.
10. For safe and reliable long term disposal of waste residues, the use of sanitary
landfills with application of a variety of scientific, engineering and economic
principles is significant. Landfills should be designed to minimize public health and
environmental impacts. Landfill management incorporates planning, design,
operation, closure and post-closure controls.
Objective-S (Organisational Networking):
I. There is a need to coordinate the activities of the different agenctes of the
government. There are many agencies and local institutions who are responsible for
providing civic amenities to the citizens of Shillong. Apparently within the same
city at least seven agencies of the government are operating and implementing
various developmental programmes viz. Meghalaya Urban Development Authority
(MUDA), Meghalaya Urban Development Agency (MUDA), Public Works
Department (PWD), Public Health Engineering (PHE), Urban Affairs Department
(UAD), Meghalaya State Electricity Board (MeSEB) and the Shillong Municipal
Board (SMB). Most of them do not know the programmes of the other agency. The
result is uncoordinated development of infrastructural facilities.
2. The Meghalaya Urban Development Authority should be the Umbrella body of the
different agencies and departments. The MUDA should take on these functions as
all schemes have to be implemented within the framework of Master Plans and
315
Zonal Plans. If this is so, then provisions should be made for the above department
and agencies to be represented in the Authority. Necessary amendments should be
made in the Meghalaya Town and Country Planning Act, 1973 so that the
government agencies including Syiemship and District Council are represented and
contribute in the development process of the city including health and sanitation.
3. The Rangbah Shnongs (Headmen) representing the traditional Dorbars which are
grassroots institutions should be given the opportunity to function as Ward
Commissioners since they can articulate better the felt needs of the people.
4. There should be a forum comprising of both governmental and non-governmental
actors who should be shouldered with the responsibility to specifically involve with
the management of solid waste not only within the jurisdiction of the Municipal
limits but should extend their accountability even to other localities of Shillong
Urban agglomeration.
5. There is a need for setting up a civic body having jurisdiction over the entire
Master Plan area of Shillong of 174 sq. km. as the present Municipal Board's
boundary is limited to only 10.36 sq. km. The absence of Municipal Board and
Town Committees in other units of Urban Agglomeration has made civic services
unsatisfactory and shoddy.
6. There should be a special committee to coordinate with the different agencies and
departments for overall development of the slum pockets and their improvement.
Efforts has to be made to tackle the problems in a coordinated manner and this
requires an integrated approach to be adopted in providing the urban basic services.
316
4.9 Implications of the Study:
Any research must have some bearing on the theory and practice to which it
belongs. The results of the present study have therefore, to be viewed from this angle as to
how much do they contribute to the existing knowledge. It should be admitted at the very
outset that SWM has some natural implications on environment and sanitation. health and
hygiene of the people. The present study has far reaching implications for bringing out
suitable changes in the minds of the people, the Municipality Authority, the traditional
institutions and the government in terms of practice, strictures, rules and regulations.
The implications of the present study are therefore not difficult to concern. There is
a growing awareness on the part of the respondents and traditional institutions to keep
Shillong neat and clean. Therefore an effective solid waste management system is the most
important element from aesthetic point of view. While every resource like capital assets
and technology can be brought in the arena of solid waste management, the only resource
which cannot be brought is motivated human resource. Motivated human resource is
required to keep not only their houses clean but also have to clean their own surrounding
and neighbourhood. This is the first step in solid waste management. This is where Adult
Education intervention is necessary to make people aware about the scientific practices of
the household wastes. If this problem is tackled at the first level of intervention, the
magnitude of solid waste and the problems thereof would be lessened than half Therefore
there is a great need to take a fresh look at solid waste management in the light of
revelations made in the study.
1. Solid waste management is closely related to the practices adopted by the people at
their household. An improvement in the practices by adopting the simple method of

317
collection, segregation and disposal can create a better environment in Shillong
city.
2. Adult educators must believe that solid waste management is an important area of
intervention and therefore they should communicate this message through
appropriate information, education and awareness campaigns.
3. Although positive feeling about the problem and management of solid wastes exist
among the policy makers, Municipality and traditional institutions, the solid waste
managers must play the role of motivator, enabler, activist and social therapist for
organizational effectiveness. Any investment in solid waste management should be
viewed as a long term investment for bringing out the civic awareness among the
people of Shillong.
4. There is a need to integrate the role of Municipality, policy makers and planners,
government and traditional institutions in strategic planning process of solid waste
management in order to perform a meaningful role in key activities of solid waste
management.
5. A good solid waste management must address itself in evolving a system where
developmental aspect of solid waste management could be brought into focus.
Evolving a suitable monitoring mechanism, delegating different responsibilities to
different personnel and periodically reviewing the system would bring about the
desired changes in solid waste management system of the city.
6. Evolving a comprehensive training programme aimed at the development of
various competencies in solid waste management like technical and managerial
should be one of the major focus of solid waste management. In addition of

318
evolving a training plan, operationalising and reviewing the plan in a periodic basis
should be an integral part of solid waste management programme.
7. The solid waste management process should aim at creating an environment for
recycling the waste products and production of natural hie-fertilizers.
8. The organizational strategy should be to enable the people to perceive the need for
change, work in collaboration with the different stakeholders of solid waste
management and manage the change as a practice measure. It calls for a high level
sensibility, conviction and faith in the policy, strictures, rules and regulation so as
to bring out changes in the attitude and perception of the people with regard to solid
waste management.
9. Effective system of participatio!l in the solid waste management is the key to
success. There should be improvement in the contextual understanding of the
stakeholders and their role in arising the civicness culture through appropriate
Adult Education intervention measures.
10. Manpower planning should be ensured for optimum utilization of solid waste
generated. It should not only involve systematic assessment of manpower
requirements in terms of number, but also the requirements in terms of skills and
efforts to manage the changing technology in the arena of solid waste management.
11. There is a need to integrate the various sub-systems of SWM and not to treat these
sub-systems in isolation. Solid waste management should also aim at strengthening
each of these processes by developing competence among the solid waste managers
and providing a conducive atmosphere for scientific management of solid waste
effectively.
319
12. For a successful implementation of solid waste management, a well-designed solid
waste management programme and an implementation strategy is important.
13. Lack of formal communication system at the Municipal and Government level with
the various levels of solid waste management contributes to the gap and realizing
the objectives of solid waste management and create hindrances in implementation
of solid waste management strategies. Therefore, prior importance should be given
to the communication system so as to enable free flow of communication among
the stakeholders of solid waste management.
14. More emphasis should be placed on team-work rather than individual efforts in the
strategic planning process of solid waste management.
Taking into consideration the above points, the findings of the present study has
significant implications for researches, adult educators, administrators, management
personnel working in the area of SWM, policy planner, traditional institutions and other
stakeholders in solid waste management system.
4.10 Limitations of the Present Study:
In social science research, the investigator has to delimit the problem under
investigation to a certain possible extent, for it is quite impossible either to control or
include all the factors involved in it.
In view of the Research on SWM, the limitations of the present study are presented
as under:
320
1. The study is restricted to the existing Municipal limits of Shillong.
2. The selection of the sample has been limited to one of the adults from one of
the households, each household being treated as one unit.
3. The study is restricted to the practices of solid waste generation, accumulation
and disposal of garbage at the household and community level.
4. The study is limited to the perception of the people on roles of traditional
institutions, Municipality and the Government with respect to solid waste
management.
5. The study is limited to four localities from each regton vtz. Northeast,
Northwest, Southeast and Southwest falling under the jurisdiction of Shillong
Municipality.
6. The study is limited to the Slum, Residential, Hospital and market areas of
Shillong.
4.11 Suggestions for Further Study:
The investigator was now in a position to make suggestions for further study. The
following suggestions could be made by the investigator for further study:
1. The present study can be undertaken on the management personnel involved in
Solid Waste Management.
2. The present study can be undertaken on traditional institutions and Community
Based Organizations (CBOs) involved in Solid Waste Management activities.
321
3. The present study can be undertaken on the Municipality which is directly
involved in Solid Waste Management and the practices can be compared with
other hilly regions of India.
4. The present study can be undertaken exclusively on Slum areas, residential
areas, hospital areas and market areas.
5. The present study can be undertaken on scientific processes of Solid Waste
Management adopted in Shillong.
6. Similar studies can be undertaken to study the environmental implications of
Solid Waste Management.
7. Similar studies can be undertaken on the effect of solid waste generated and
disposed by the hospitals.
8. Similar studies can be undertaken on recovery process of solid wastes.
9. The present study can be undertaken to study the civicness of the people living
in cities.
10. Similar studies can be conducted to study the impact of solid wastes on health
of the people.
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CHAPTER-IV

MAIN FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION OF THE RESULTS,

interpretation of the data.

4.0 Main Findings and Discussion of the Results:

4.1 Main Findings Objective No.1:

West (NW) region of Shillong.

mean item scores of NE vs SE, SW vs SE and SW vs NW on "household waste being

stored in a container or dustbin" whereas no significant differences existed between the

differences in the practices were found in NE vs SE, SW vs SE and SW vs NW region of

container or dustbin from SE region of Shillong followed by NW region, NE region and

regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed in case ofNE vs SW, NE vs SE and SW

vs NW whereas it was not confirmed in case of NE vs SE, SW vs SE and vs NW and SE

to item-1 ofthe Solid Waste Management system.

Item 2: Household Solid Waste stored in Plastic Bag:

vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE, SW vs NW and SE vs NW region of Shillong. It revealed

container or dustbin from SW region of Shillong followed by NW region, SE region and

confirmed in case ofNE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE, SW vs NW and SE vs NW region

of Shillong whereas it was not confirmed in case of NE vs SW region of Shillong

Waste Management system.

Item 3: Disposal of Solid Waste in Drains:

significant difference on this item between NE vs SW and SE vs NW region of Shillong.

no significant differences in the practices of solid waste management in the different

regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed in case of NE vs SW and SE vs NW

item-3 of the Solid Waste Management system.

Item 4: Disposal of Solid Waste in Streams:

mean item scores of NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE and SW vs NW with respect to the

existed no significant difference on this item between NE vs SW and SE vs NW region of

in case of NE vs SW and SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of

Item 5: Collection of Solid Waste directly m Community Bin/Outside Collection

mean item scores of NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE, SW vs NW and SE vs NW on

"collection of solid waste directly in Community bin/Outside Collection Point" whereas

there existed no significant difference on this item between NE vs SW region of Shillong.

Item 6: Waste Generated is Stored in the House Overnight:

mean item scores ofNE vs SW, NE vs SE, SW vs SE and SW vs NW on "waste generated

confirmed only in case of NE vs NW, and SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the

Item 7: Waste is Dumped on the Road or Vacant Land:

mean item scores ofNE vs SW, NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE and SW vs NW regions

only in case of SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the

hypothesis- I with respect to item-7 ofthe Solid Waste Management system.

Item 8: The Service of a Hired Labour is Used for Collection of Waste:

mean item scores of NE vs SW, SW vs SE, and SW vs NW on "the services of a hired

was confirmed only in case of NE vs SE and NE vs NW, and SE vs NW indicating the

Item 9: Usage of Household Waste as Compost or Manure:

mean item scores of SW vs SE and SE vs NW on "usage of household waste as compost

or manure" whereas there existed no significant difference on this item between NE vs

vs NW and SW vs NW indicating the partial acceptance ofthe hypothesis-} with respect to

item-9 ofthe Solid Waste Management system.

was confirmed only in case of NE vs SW, NE vs SE and SE vs NW region of Shillong

waste management system

vs NW, SW vs NW, and SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of

mean item scores ofNE vs SW and SW vs NW region of Shillong on "biodegradable and

of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed only in case of NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs

! with respect to item-12 of the Solid Waste Management system.

Item 13: Hazardous Waste is kept in Separate Storage Containers at Home:

mean item scores of NE vs SW, SW vs SE and SW vs NW region of Shillong on

significant difference on this item between NE vs SE, NE vs NW and SE vs NW. The

only in case of NE vs SE, NE vs NW and SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the

mean item scores ofNE vs SW, NE vs NW, SW vs SE and SW vs NW region ofShillong

whereas there existed no significant difference on this item between NE vs SE and SE vs

only in case of NE vs SE and SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the partial

Item 15: Door to Door Collection of Waste is Practiced in the Neighbourhood:

collection of waste is practiced in the neighbourhood" whereas there existed no significant

difference on this item between NE vs NW, SW vs SE, SW vs NW and SE vs NW region